Orcas Montessori School recently received an anonymous grant to support burgeoning literacy among the school’s students.

The $550 donation was used to establish a library of 58 books written in both English and Spanish, allowing children to hear books in their native tongue while they broaden their exposure to a second language. The books are easy enough for emerging readers to enjoy and range in topics from favorite stories to Hispanic culture.

Orcas Montessori families will have the opportunity to borrow two books per week. Parents will be given guidance on effective ways to read with their children and the importance of fostering a lifelong love of books at an early age.

“Having the books in both Spanish and English provides families with the same library to enjoy plus the opportunity to become familiar with a second language,” said the school’s director, Teresa Chocano. “Through a little exposure to their classmate’s culture, we hope to increase understanding among our children.”

Darvill’s Bookstore owner Jenny Pederson helped the school maximize the grant by securing the books below online prices.

“Darvill’s played a key role in helping us make the most of this generous grant,” Chocano said. “We are excited about having a library that can be enjoyed by students for years to come.”