To the Editor:

August 30, 2014 marked the last day for the Potsdam Farmers’ Market new summer-long literacy project called “Market Book Safari.”

Starting in mid June, children visited the Potsdam Farmers’ Market, searching for free books hidden at vendor booths. Books were for all ages, ranging from early reader level to middle school level.

Each book has been registered with BookCrossing.com, a website service that tracks books worldwide. When a child found a book at the market, they were encouraged to read the book and then leave it somewhere for another reader to find it and read it!

I urge kids to continue the fun: hide their books at public locations this winter and track them on the website.

I would like to thank the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs in Potsdam for generously donating funds in order to purchase books.

Furthermore, I greatly valued the help from Sarah Sachs, librarian at Potsdam Public Library in handpicking the collection of books. Because of their philanthropy, we were able to distribute over 60 books to young readers this summer.

I hope that this pilot program can continue at the market for seasons to come!

Laura Popielski

Potsdam Farmers Market, Market Manager