MIDLAND, Pa. – Thousands of local children will be the beneficiaries of educational resources thanks to the Great Book Giveaway, a first-of-its-kind literacy initiative sponsored by local nonprofit curriculum and services provider Lincoln Learning Solutions.

The Great Book Giveaway will take place 9 a.m. to noon today (rain date April 15) at Lincoln Learning Solutions’ warehouse, 518 Railroad St.

“Everyone from area teachers and librarians to child care providers and pediatricians is eligible to take part in the event and help us support childhood literacy,” Bob Clements, CEO, said.

Because Lincoln Learning Solutions has made changes and updates to its curriculum, Clements said, the organization found itself with a significant surplus of elementary-level books that, beyond imparting classroom subjects, teach lessons about being truthful, making friends, and bullying at a pre-kindergarten through 5th grade level.

“Rather than adding all of this valuable material to the local landfill, our staff wanted to see that these professionally illustrated books that teach timeless lessons were put to good use,” Clements said. “As a nonprofit focused on education, we believe this event fits perfectly with our mission.”

Educators, librarians, pediatricians, child psychologists and therapists, and other professionals who care for elementary-aged children are eligible to participate in the Great Book Giveaway. The only requirements are that they bring their own bag or box, along with their professional identification.

Among the titles available are “Frog and Toad Are Friends,” “Encyclopedia Brown,” “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” and “Freckle Juice,” in addition to the books in the “Tales of Midlandia” series, which were written and illustrated by Lincoln Learning Solutions. Flash cards sets, classroom supplies and course kit items are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Leading up to the Great Book Giveaway, Clements said Lincoln Learning Solutions has donated books and course kits to many local organizations, including Sts. Peter and Paul School, Tiger Pause Youth Ministry, Women’s Center of Beaver County, The School at McGuire Memorial, MHY Family Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Beaver County, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, Mars Area Public Library, South Butler Community Library, We’re at YOUR Service, and several branches of Little Free Library.