In March 2004, Delaware literacy association Success Won’t Wait, Inc. donated over 500 children’s books to the Friends of the Smyrna Public Library. The donation was made after organization founders learned that the Friends Group holds used book sales to raise money for library improvements not covered by state funds.

“This donation is another opportunity to further our mission,” explains organization founder Carrieri-Russo. “To help break the cycle of illiteracy, Success Won’t Wait was founded in 2002. Our goal is to encourage reading, particularly by children.”

To date, Carrieri-Russo’s organization has collected donations of well over 8,000 new and gently used books, and redistributed them throughout the state. Success Won’t Wait programs include four major projects:

• Children’s book baskets. Upon request, these are placed, at no charge, in any lobby or office where a child might wait. Some examples of placement locations include doctors’ offices, karate studios, beauty salons, and auto repair shops. The organization has already placed over 50 baskets in various locations, distributing approximately 2,000 books.

• Expanding existing permanent, residential libraries that are greatly in need. A few examples of these types of locations include Ferris School for Boys, Baylor Women’s Correctional Institute, and Gander Hill Prison. Success Won’t Wait has distributed approximately 1,000 books to these facilities.

• Assisting local libraries’ “Friends” groups with donations for library improvement projects not covered by state or federal monies. The organization has distributed approximately 3,000 books to many libraries throughout the state including Kirkwood Highway Library in Wilmington, Hockessin Public Library, and Smyrna Public Library.

• Creating “Independent Libraries.” One example is a recent 1,000+ book installation at the Bayard House in Wilmington. The Bayard House is a temporary residential program for pregnant teens and young women. The organization also recently completed a second 1,000+ book installation at the Telegraph Road Learning Center, a school for developmentally delayed and emotionally disturbed teens.

The organization’s future plans first include more book drives — with a goal of 10,000 books by June 2004 and a total of 20,000 by year’s end. Volunteers are also busy with an expansion, already underway, into surrounding states New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Eventually, the organization’s founders hope to have a presence in all 50 states.

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used books in Delaware, or volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab to learn more.

Read now, because success won’t wait!