Providence Catholic High School is one of the supporters of Book Worm Angels, a not-for-profit organization that promotes literacy in public school systems. Book Worm Angels was founded in 1999 by Kermit Myers, a retired businessman who had volunteered in the Chicago public schools and witnessed firsthand that a number of children were reading below grade level and were generally disinterested in reading. To support this worthy cause, Providence is sponsoring a new and gently used book drive from Oct. 15-Oct. 26. Through the efforts of Providence and other donors, Book Worm Angels will continue to promote literacy and education while helping children develop a passion for reading.

In the Chicago Public School System, 70 percent of the students are reading below grade level and Book Worm Angels is working to remedy this situation. Myers’ ambition to stimulate a love of reading among these children resulted in a city-wide program now serving 65,000 students. With growing support, Book Worm Angels hopes to eventually expand throughout Illinois and the United States.

Freshman Ben Feithen of Palos Park is the impetus behind the school’s book drive. “This book drive will help many underprivileged inner-city kids. Not only will these donated books improve their reading levels, but also let them know that people care about them and want them to succeed,” said Feithen.

Book Worm Angels currently supports over 100 Chicago public schools. At each participating school, classroom lending libraries provide new or gently used books of a fun and general nature for use by students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. These libraries enable children to experience the enjoyment of reading and thus improve their skills as readers and students. Although the books are intended for in-school use, the organization does not impose penalties for lost or damaged books.

Each school in the program receives seven to 10 books per student, and about 25 percent of each school’s book supply is replenished each year. Book Worm Angels has delivered nearly a million books and continues to hold book drives in schools, churches, synagogues and community organizations. In addition to providing a pleasant reading atmosphere at school, Book Worm Angels strives to promote a stable reading environment at home. As part of the program’s curriculum, each school’s principal sends a letter home to parents asking them to spend 20 to 30 minutes daily reading with their child to encourage habitual reading.

When surveyed, 95 percent of participating teachers responded that the Book Worm Angels program improves reading skills and helps children discover the joy of reading. Moreover, schools that have participated in the program for more than six months have seen a marked improvement in reading test scores.