History
In the fall of 2005, the Rotary Clubs of Springfield approached Springfield Public Schools with an idea to impact every first-grade student with the Gift of Literacy. Inspired by communities in Klamath Falls and throughout Wyoming, the Rotary Clubs wanted to do something special to promote reading among young students.

In support of education in Springfield, TEAM Springfield joined the Twin Rivers and Springfield Rotary Clubs to sponsor the inaugural Gift of Literacy. On June 1, 2006, every first-grade student received a brand-new, hardbound book in a ceremony celebrating and encouraging literacy. Springfield’s Gift of Literacy was set in motion.

The Origin
Springfield’s Gift of Literacy was inspired by a book-giving program in Wyoming, “Casper Cares, Casper Reads.” John Jorgensen established the Sue Jorgensen Library Foundation and the "Casper Cares, Casper Reads" celebration in 1996 to honor his late wife's commitment to literacy and books.

After making a significant contribution of books to the library of her children's elementary school, the foundation learned of a community that held an annual drive to raise enough money to give every first-grade child a book to encourage early enthusiasm for reading. With the support of local teachers, administrators and parents, the "Casper Cares, Casper Reads" project was born.

http://www.natronacountylibrary.org/wyreads.html