PAKRAT: Building a Love of Reading in District 742
Partners And Kids Reading A-lot Together
Since 2011, LEAF has proudly supported PAKRAT, a powerful early literacy initiative that brings books directly into the hands—and homes—of District 742 students. Through this program, every child from preschool through third grade has access to engaging, age-appropriate books they can take home, read with a parent or guardian, and return the next day—building strong reading habits and even stronger connections between school and home.
With generous support from LEAF and community partners like the Bernick’s Foundation, the Morgan Family Foundation, and the Otto Bremer Foundation, PAKRAT promotes daily reading and supports academic success across our elementary schools.
PAKRAT Roll & Read: Fighting the “Summer Slide”
Research shows that many young students lose valuable reading skills over the summer months due to limited access to books. To combat this “summer slide,” PAKRAT launched the Roll & Read mobile library—bringing books right into neighborhoods. What started in one attendance area has grown into a district-wide program, thanks to incredible community support from the St. Cloud Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club, and many others.
Now, every summer, the PAKRAT Bus makes weekly stops throughout District 742, giving thousands of students access to quality books and helping them maintain the progress they’ve made during the school year.
The Impact Is Real:
- In one school year alone, over 3,400 students read more than 120,000 books through PAKRAT.
- During a single summer, more than 2,000 children checked out over 6,000 books from the Roll & Read bus.
Every book read is a step toward greater confidence, stronger literacy skills, and lifelong learning.
How You Can Help:
We’re always in need of gently used or new books of all genres to keep our library fresh and engaging for young readers. To donate books or support PAKRAT financially, please contact LEAF (link to contact us page) or click the “Donate” button below. Your gift helps us put books into the hands of children who need them most.
Together, we’re building a community of readers—one book at a time.
Donate Books To PAKRAT
We are in need of additional quality books of all genres to keep students reading so as not to lose the gains made during the school year. If you can help by donating quality books, please contact Sara Martini.
Roll & Read PAKRAT Bus
The Summer Rotary Club/LEAF/District 742 PAKRAT Roll & Read Program provides a “library on wheels” during the summer months and serves as an extension of the school year PAKRAT program.
Click here to view and download the 2025 “Roll & Read” bus schedule.
Please click the donate button below to contribute to the PAKRAT Fund.
LEAF would like to acknowledge your donation. Please check the box that says “Share your mailing address…” while making your donation with PayPal.