5th Grader Sponsors Library Fundraiser

Trevor Quast is like any other 10 year old boy growing up in Montrose, MI. He's just a typical boy who enjoys hanging out with his friends playing PS2 or X-Box, messing around on the computer and picking on his little brother. The slim young man with a teasing smile is willing to toss around a football, ride his bike, and mow the lawn. When gloomy days happen or at some point in evenings, you'll find him curled up with a book. Other than participating in after-school programs at Kuehn-Haven Middle School he is also a Webelo Scout and plays the piano; sings in the choir and plays bells at the church his family has been members for generations.

One day after his choir practice at First Presbyterian Church in Saginaw, MI; he was helping his mother in a room that had been set aside for the library. The old library wasn't being used and was too far away from the classrooms so it was moved for easier accessibility. The books he watched her shelve were for adults. When his mother explained the children's books were in another room that would also be fitted with computers, the excitement rose.

However, disappointment replaced his elation.

"It didn't look like a library with old computer sections on old tables. There were old puzzles and games on the shelves." Trevor talked about his first impression. "There were videos too, they weren't too bad. But there weren't many kids' books and most of them were so outdated, I don't think anyone would read them. Old, old, old. The room even smelled old."

Quietly he thumbed through a shelf, pulled out a dusty book with yellowed pages. The fifth grader's eyes lit up when he read the author's name: C.S. Lewis.

"I thought it would be cool if I could find the whole C. S. Lewis collection!"

"I've participated in lots of reading contests sponsored by the library at school, at Barnes & Noble, and Scholastic." Trevor stated proudly then went onto telling of his own extensive collection of books; many of which he's won or purchased at books stores, book fairs and garage sales. Trevor is a young man who loves books, knows books, and knows how to be quite thrifty!

"I knew the room was basically just moved into," Trev spoke in a confident voice. "It just needs a good cleaning, a few new computer tables, posters and stuff on the bulletin boards. Last summer, I got some cool posters from a rummage sale that a retired librarian had!"

His mother explained that the plan of the room was to make books, games, and computers accessible to the Christian Education youth programs of the church. The library budget was limited.

"Carter Elementary, where I used to go," he added. "The PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization) used to have a Used Book Sale in the library. Everybody would bring books to school and donate them for the sale. All kids' books were a quarter or fifty cents. Whole classes would go down and buy books. It was fun and it really worked! The library used the money to buy new books."

Without thinking twice Trevor suggested having a Used Book Sale for the church library. He offered to sort through all the children's books and other items to select ones to sell; and create a "wish list" of books that would be age appropriate and interesting to stock the library with. Members of the Children, Youth, and Family Committee, who oversees the Christian Education programs, offered to step in to help sort the "grown-up" books.

Trev has asked members of the congregation at First Presbyterian Church to donate books and attend the sale. He told the other children in the programs about his plan. They were all excited to have the opportunity to "visit their own library" after their classes. Many have been inspired by this young man's energy and enthusiasm. Even friends and neighbors have donated books and promised to attend.

"New books can be directly donated to the library and cash donations are ok," Trevor said with a boyish grin. "I'm good at finding books and not having to pay the regular price for them. There are always coupons & discounts for books stores, rummage sales, and I can go online & look for used books in good condition. You'd be amazed at the great books you can find!"

Once up and running; the library will offer a "Birthday Book" program where a book can be donated on behalf of someone for their birthday. The birthday person's name and date will be placed inside the cover. Books can be donated in memory of someone as well.

The sale will be open to the public on Saturday, April 14 at 10am - 2pm. And again on Sunday, April 15 at noon - 2pm. The sale will be at First Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Court and Harrison in Saginaw, MI. Visitors are asked to use the Webster Street entrance to the parking lot and the church. The sale will be held in the gymnasium.

"All books will be priced at 25 cents, 50 cents and $1." A salesman's voice came out of the youth. "There will be books for everybody and even a few puzzles, games, and movies!"

For those who wish to donate to the library on behalf of Trevor's efforts feel free send a check made out to First Presbyterian Church, just put "Trevor's Book Sale" in the memo. Send to Trevor Quast, c/o First Presbyterian Church, 121 S. Harrison, Saginaw, MI 48602-2149.