Nana’s Books Foundation donates 1,430 books to James Tillman Elementary School

PALMETTO — On Monday, Nana’s Books Foundation President Dr. Dennis Dulniak completed the delivery of 1,430 grade-appropriate books to 627 James Tillman students, their 33 classrooms, and the school library. Nana’s Books Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides grade-appropriate books on Alzheimer's, dementia, and other disabilities to public libraries and students in Title I schools.

James Tillman is the 24th Title I School among 11 states and DC to receive these book donations. Principal Marla Massi-Blackmore, along with Media Specialist Liz Reilly, have been preparing the 1,143 Scholastic books for distribution among the students while encouraging reading over the summer. Every student will receive at least one of the Scholastic books, each bearing a book label detailing Nancy Dulniak's story, which serves as the inspiration for Nana’s Books. Dr. Dulniak delivered the additional 287 books for the 33 classrooms and the school library on Monday.

Dr. Dulniak explained the purpose of Nana’s Books, an organization founded in memory of his wife Nancy, a lifelong librarian who passed away from Early-Onset Alzheimer’s in 2021. Each classroom teacher received a bundle of books for their classroom, focusing on the Foundation’s mission of providing vetted content on Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other disabilities, while emphasizing the kindness and compassion that many of the books reinforce.

"Nancy’s legacy of education and literacy has resulted in the delivery of over 20,000 books to 24 Title I schools across 11 states and DC over four years," said Dulniak. "Through our Foundation, we aim to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and disabilities and provide resources for students and families to better handle these challenging conditions."

On the Good News page of the School District of Manatee County, Communications Specialist Melissa Parker shared pictures and the story in the article, Books and Kindness: A Gift for Tillman Elementary from Nana's Books Foundation.

"Thank you for the beautiful children's books you sent us," said Tillman Principal Marla Massi-Blackmore. "Many of the titles were already on our wish list, and some are treasured books that we try to repurchase every year. These books will not only enrich our library but also become classroom favorites authored by writers we admire."

“Helen’s Big World by Doreen Rappaport is an exceptionally beautiful and rich book that has already become a favorite among the third grade,” said Media Specialist Liz Reilly. “We understand the significance of summer reading for all children, particularly those in Title I schools. These books will enable our students to select a book to take home and read during the summer. We are committed to holding them accountable for their reading.”

Nana’s Books Foundation provides each student in these Title I schools with grade-appropriate books and related books on Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other disabilities for 154 classrooms, schools, and public libraries. To learn more about Nana’s Books Foundation and Nancy J. Downey Dulniak, visit www.NanasBooks.org. Support the effort to educate students and communities on dementia and disabilities by donating online at https://www.nanasbooks.org or https://www.facebook.com/nanasbooks.