The Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry County (SDG) Library is once again inviting residents to help put books into the hands of local children and youth through its annual Pages for Presents initiative.
The campaign encourages community members to purchase new books for children and teens who may otherwise face barriers to accessing reading materials. Donations are distributed through local community organizations.
During the 2025 campaign, the library collected 211 new books, which were distributed to children and youth across SDG Counties through community partners. While the library has not established a specific donation target for the year, it hopes to build on last year’s participation and continue growing community support.
“Pages for Presents was established by the SDG Library in response to a simple but important belief: that every child should have access to books and the opportunities they create,” said SDG Library Communications and Marketing Coordinator Maria Steffen.
Steffen said that while the library provides free access to reading materials through its branches and digital collections, some families face challenges accessing books, including transportation difficulties, busy schedules, and limited internet access.
The initiative aims to address those barriers by giving children books of their own to keep at home, allowing them to revisit favourite stories and develop a personal connection to reading. While library and school collections remain important resources, Steffen said owning books offers children the opportunity to read on their own schedules and return to stories they enjoy without having to borrow them.
“Having books readily available at home also helps create an environment where reading becomes part of everyday life. A book on a bedroom shelf, kitchen table, or family bookcase serves as a constant invitation to read, explore, and learn,” Steffen said.
According to SDG Library Community Librarian Emily Andrews, the initiative has developed through the library’s ongoing relationships with organizations and community groups throughout the region. Library staff also help identify opportunities to support local initiatives serving children, youth, and families.
This year, the library hopes to provide donated books to the Children’s Aid Society, Koala Place, Naomi’s Family Resource Centre, and House of Lazarus, all of which have received donations in previous years. It also remains open to supporting other local initiatives focused on providing holiday assistance and gifts to children and youth.
The library measures the success of the campaign not only by the number of books collected, but also by the opportunities they provide for young readers. It also emphasizes the importance of distributing donations through trusted community organizations while respecting the privacy and dignity of recipient families.
Residents can participate by visiting any SDG Library branch and selecting a tag from the Pages for Presents display. Each tag provides suggestions for a book to purchase. New, unwrapped books must be returned to any library branch by December 1.
Those who prefer not to shop for a book can also make a monetary donation, allowing library staff to purchase books on their behalf and direct contributions where they are most needed.
More information about the initiative and how to participate is available at sdglibrary.ca/pagesforpresents.
