When Paloma Seligman, a sophomore at Urban School in San Francisco, heard our Board president Risa Schwartz describe the work of the Children’s Book Project at Berkeley Model United Nations, she knew she wanted to get involved. “I’m super passionate about reading, and believe books should be accessible to everyone regardless of socio-economic status,” she said. At our Book Bank, Paloma counts donated books and curates children’s titles to deliver to our longtime client partners at the Homeless Prenatal Program, where she also volunteers, adding books to the baby clothes, diapers, and home goods for their care packages. In late April, Paloma plans to represent the Children’s Book Project and give away free books at the Climate Action Youth Summit and Dia de los Niños events in San Francisco. Also a writer, Paloma started the Women’s Youth Writing Association branch at her school, and her poems and stories will be published in their inaugural book. As busy as she is, Paloma makes time to volunteer at our Book Bank because, she says, “It’s fun handling the donated books and thinking about how the Children’s Book Project externalizes their mission—it feels powerful to be a part of that.”

Through March 15, join our longtime supporters at Word for WordPlay’s bold new stage adaptation of Dave Eggers’ The Eyes & the Impossible, winner of the 2024 Newbery Medal for excellence in children’s literature. The story takes you to the inner world of Johannes, a free and fast dog—and his job as the “eyes” of an urban park by the sea. Join him in his trials and tribulations as the equilibrium of the park is upset by an influx of humans, construction, and other animals. You won’t want to miss this fully staged production on Z Space’s Steindler Stage in San Francisco, presented in beloved Word for Word style.

Our generous friends at Word for WordPlay are also running a children’ s book drive for us for the run of the show. Bring a book — or many — to donate, and get a beautiful The Eyes & the Impossible sticker!!