Newly constructed and soon-to-be finished oak bookcases line the inside of Rich Lagemann's garage. The retired school administrator hopes that is just the start of improving childhood literacy within the county. Lagemann has spearheaded an effort to improve reading levels by helping form the Warren County Bookcase Project, an all-volunteer initiative that is designed to provide bookcases and books for local 4-year-old children in low-income families. Lagemann first learned of the bookcase project concept after reading a story in American Profile, which is a weekly insert in The Record. He talked to the organization's founder about getting started and then contacted local educators and other community members with a background in literacy development who joined a committee to get the project started. From his time in the classroom or overseeing the Wright City Academy, the R-II district's alternative school, Lagemann said it was evident that reading skills needed to be improved. By starting at the preschool age, hopefully the parents will take advantage of having the books available and read to their children on a consistent basis, he said. "Most had low reading levels," Lagemann recalled of alternative school students. "The older they got, the further behind they got. It made sense to start young so you can get to them early." To raise funds to cover the materials needed to construct the bookcases, the organization is seeking "book club members" willing to donate $50. As part of an individual or business's contribution, they will be invited to attend an awards ceremony scheduled for Sunday, March 11, at Wright City Middle School. The donors will then have a chance to sign the back of the bookcase they are sponsoring and meet the recipient. So far, interest in the bookcase project has been strong. As of Monday, 31 bookcase club members have been signed up. It's the committee's intent to present bookcases to at least 50 children, though that number could climb to over 60, so more commitments are needed, Lagemann said. The children who will be receiving the bookcases are participants in Youth in Need's head start program. "People are interested in helping," Lagemann said. "Anybody can help by sponsoring a bookcase or donating books." In connection with the bookcase construction, a local retired teachers group has organized a book drive to provide a starter set of books appropriate for 4- to 8-year-olds for each bookcase. The books should be new or gently used and can be dropped off at numerous schools, businesses and churches in Warrenton, Wright City or Marthasville. If needed, book donations can also be picked up by calling Lagemann at 636-745-31139 or Allan Dreyer at 636-456-8278. The book drive will conclude on Feb. 10. Lagemann emphasized the literacy project is about helping children throughout the area and not just one single area or school district. "It's a countywide initiative," Lagemann said. "It's not just Wright City, Warrenton or Marthasville. I like that idea."