#SVGives: 10 for 10 Brings Bookshare to More Readers

UPDATE: Thank you to the generous donors who helped us reach our goal of $10K to bring Bookshare to more readers!

Small gifts, big impact.

Last year, in just one day, over $8 million dollars was raised for Bay Area nonprofits through Silicon Valley Gives, a community-wide day of giving hosted by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Benetech is one of hundreds of nonprofits in Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Benito, and San Francisco counties who are joining together to lift up and empower communities in need.

Every contribution has an impact.

No gift is too small. That’s why we are launching our 10 for 10 campaign. $10 goes a long way, especially when it’s matched by a $10K donation.

Every title in Bookshare is an opportunity.

Around the world, there are over 500 million people with disabilities, like blindness, dyslexia, and physical disabilities, who don’t have access to basic literacy. Since they cannot read traditional books, they often fall behind in school at an early age which has repercussions later in life.

Bookshare, a Benetech initiative, is an online library that is making reading possible for over 400,000 people in over 50 countries, including Silicon Valley. With Bookshare, members can access over 400,000 titles that let them listen to books, follow along with highlighted text, read in braille, and customize their experience in ways that make reading and education possible.

Here is what students, teachers, and parents say about Bookshare:

“Laura’s comprehension and fluency skills have increased. Her teachers say that she is well on her way to reading at grade level.” —Parent of student with dyslexia

“It is no longer difficult to find accessible books, and I will use Bookshare for a lifetime.” —Student with low vision

“Bookshare levels the playing field in school and keeps students reading.” —Educator of students with special needs

Bookshare is the thriving community it is today thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of all the members, parents, teachers, mentors, volunteers, partners, and friends. We’re so grateful for your continuous support that allows us to bring the gift of reading and educational opportunities to others who need our services.

For just $10, you can create even more opportunities for readers like Laura and Elina. Through May 3, your gift will be matched by a $10,000 gift from the Krishnan-Shaw Family Foundation through Silicon Valley Gives. Let’s go 10 for 10!