A massive project is being launched to provide each of the 34,000 students in the Buffalo Public Schools with a free new book.
Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore says the books will be selected by from a list with hundreds of age-appropriate titles.
Rumore says the "A Book of Their Own" initiative is will have an impact on many kids who have never actually owned a book.
"There are studies that show just having books in the home are a tremendous stimulus to having students learn to read," Rumore said.
The union leader says the idea took hold when he saw a presentation by an organization called First Book, which provides most new books at 80-90% of their cost.
The project locally was organized with the assistance of First Book, the American Federation of Teachers, New York State United Teachers and The Teacher's Desk. The goal is to distribute the books to students in time for winter break.
Rumore says the publishers are picking up most of the cost of the books and the estimated $16,000 shipping charge will be covered by the BTF, ATF, and NYSUT.