The Empire State Center for the Book has joined #GivingTuesday, a first of its kind effort that will harness the collective power of a unique blend of partners—charities, families, businesses and individuals—to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. Coinciding with the Thanksgiving Holiday and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday will inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support and help create a better world.  Taking place December 3, 2013 – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving – #GivingTuesday will harness the power of social media to create a national moment around the holidays dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days that are, today, synonymous with holiday shopping.

As its #GivingTuesday project the Empire State Center for the Book in partnership with the New York Library Association and Random House Publishers will be raising funds to distribute the book, Snowflakes Fall to libraries around New York in memory of the lives lost in the Sandy Hook tragedy. For every $1000 raised 100 books will be distributed to libraries in New York in memory of the lives lost at Sandy Hook on December 14, 2012.

Author Patricia MacLachlan and illustrator Steven Kellogg, who are longtime friends, were moved to collaborate on a message of hope for children and their families following the tragic events in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. Kellogg lived in Sandy Hook for thirty-five years—he raised his family there and was an active member of the community. From this collaboration came Snowflakes Fall, a truly inspiring picture book that is both a celebration of life and a tribute to the qualities that make each individual unique.  The book’s words and pictures offer the promise of renewal that can be found in our lives—snowflakes fall, and return again as raindrops so that flowers can grow.

“As we approach the first year anniversary of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, teachers and librarians are faced with the question of how to address the topic,” says Rocco Staino, director of the center. “This book is one way to discuss individuality and the renewal of life with children.” Those who are interested in joining Empire State Center for the Book #GivingTuesday initiative can visit  http://givingtuesday.org/partner/empire-state-center-for-the-book/.  Donations may be made at http://www.nyla.org/max/4DCGI/donate/form.html

“#GivingTuesday is a counter narrative to Black Friday and Cyber Monday because it reminds us that the

spirit of the holiday giving season should be about community and not just consumerism,” said Kathy

Calvin, CEO of the UN Foundation. “The most meaningful gift we can give our children, loved ones,

friends and neighbors is the commitment to work together to help build a better world.”

The Empire State Center for the Book is the New York State affiliate of the Library of Congress national Center for the Book.  It is committed to the book in all formats. Interests of the Center include the promotion of the culture of reading, literature, literacy, book arts, and book history throughout New York State. The Center will work with publishers, libraries, museums, educational institutions, scholars, authors, illustrators and other interested parties to enrich book culture for the people of New York.