Families in the Decorah area will have a chance to support early literacy when the WinnMed Auxiliary hosts a used book sale Aug. 10 and 11. Proceeds will help WinnMed purchase new books for young children receiving care through the hospital’s new Reach Out and Read program.
The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day in WinnMed’s lower-level conference rooms. The event is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 10, and Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, according to WinnMed’s announcement dated July 8.
How to donate books
Residents can contribute used books for the fundraiser through Aug. 7. Donations may be dropped off at WinnMed’s Main Entrance. The Auxiliary said all genres are welcome, giving donors the option to contribute a wide range of titles rather than only children’s books.
People who need more information about donating books can call Karla Bakken at 563-387-3036. Bakken can also be reached through the Volunteer Services department for questions about the WinnMed Auxiliary.
Funds will support Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read is a new program at WinnMed. The initiative works through well-child visits, incorporating books and shared reading into care to help caregivers build early literacy and healthy relationships with infants and young children.
The used-book fundraiser will pay for new books that can be provided to families with young children who receive care at WinnMed. In addition to supporting the book purchases, the WinnMed Auxiliary has funded furniture for the Reach Out and Read Children’s Area at Decorah Clinic.
More information about Reach Out and Read is available through the organization’s website, reachoutandread.org. WinnMed’s announcement said the program is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and serves children nationally, but the local fundraiser is specifically intended to support families receiving care at WinnMed.