Idaho Little Free Libraries visited by TORC THE CAT

Making a Difference, One Book at a Time! #SMILESwithTORC

TORC visited a total of 56 Little Free Libraries in Boise and its suburbs, where he donated 121 books. The first-time finders got a coloring book as a bonus to the matching TORC the CAT children's books.

TORC is a loving and very talkative tuxedo cat with two fun and educational children's book series showing his adventures in the animal kingdom. Because he loves to share the love of reading and discovery with children from all walks of life, he visits and donates his books to Little Free Libraries around the country.

One of the biggest challenges for low-income families with regard to literacy is the lack of access to books in the household. One study found that in middle-income neighborhoods the ratio is 13 books per child; in low-income neighborhoods, that ratio is one book for every 300 children. (Source: Every Neighborhood Org)

Why is TORC donating his books to Little Free Libraries around the country? Because he believes all children from all backgrounds should have easy access to books year-round at home.

Why does having access to even a relatively small set of books seem to make such a big difference? The U.S. Department of Education maintains that independent reading is a widely recognized precursor to:

• Better skills acquisition

• Superior grades

• Desirable life related to income, profession, employment, and other attributes.