The Camarillo community is coming together in a big way thanks to the newly formed Shelf to Hand Book Project, led by volunteer coordinator Jayme Hofteig. The goal is simple yet powerful — collect 5,000 high-quality books to help Pleasant Valley School District middle school ELA teachers rebuild their classroom libraries and spark a renewed love of reading.
Over the years, many classroom collections have dwindled due to wear, age, and lack of replacement funding. While students do have access to online reading options and a handful of volunteer-run school libraries, teachers know that nothing replaces the feeling of holding a real book. That’s where this community effort steps in.
What Type of Books Are Needed
The team is seeking new, like-new, or gently used books appropriate for 4th through 8th graders. Popular categories include graphic novels, adventure, mystery, and books in Spanish. (If a book is missing its cover, they unfortunately can’t accept it.)
A detailed list of accepted genres — and items they can’t take (sorry, no 1988 Encyclopedia Britannica sets!) — can be found at www.Shelftohand.com under the Shelf to Hand Book Project page.
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Book Drive Event Details
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Las Posas Plaza
Address: 96 E Daily Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010
Volunteers are needed from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm in two-hour shifts to help collect and organize donations.
Mass Sorting Day
A large community sorting session will take place the next day:
Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Adults who love reading are encouraged to participate. Students 14+ may volunteer independently for sorting, and younger students are welcome with parent supervision.
Volunteer Sign-Up and Training
Those wishing to help can sign up at:
https://www.reachforbooks.com/the-shelf-to-hand-book-project/volunteer
A volunteer training session via Zoom will be held on December 4, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
Additional Ways to Support
In addition to books and volunteers, the project is seeking folding tables, boxes, chairs, and community partners willing to assist with event costs.
Questions are welcome by email at theshelftohandbookproject@gmail.com or by calling/texting 805-419-5186.
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