October 19–31 campaign focuses on books for young children at Seattle Children’s Hospital, with a special shop-local event in Ridgecrest on October 22, 2026.
A picture book can take a child on an adventure, spark a smile and offer a welcome distraction during a difficult time. At Seattle Children’s Hospital, one nurse is making sure young patients have that opportunity—and Shoreline Rotary is inviting the community to help.
From October 19–31, Shoreline Rotary will coordinate its Fill the PICU Cart Book Campaign in partnership with Andrea Frank, a nurse practitioner, who started a book cart in the hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in 2024.
Since the cart began, approximately 300 books have been distributed to children, while hospital staff and some patient families have donated about 500 books to keep the collection growing.
Now, Andrea is asking for help keeping the most popular books available: those for young children.
“Young children’s books are the most popular,” Andrea explains. The top shelf and about half of the middle shelf are devoted to these books, and she replenishes them every few weeks. A shelf of books can be used up in approximately six weeks.
That means the need is ongoing. Keeping the cart stocked takes a steady supply of stories for little readers.
A second cart is on the horizon
Andrea is also working to establish a second book cart in the hospital’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. That means an exciting opportunity for the community to help bring books to even more children and families.
Shoreline Rotary’s campaign will focus primarily on young children’s books, while also helping support the expansion of this thoughtful literacy project.
The idea reflects a simple but powerful belief Andrea shared in a recent social media post honoring Dolly Parton and her commitment to children's literacy: “Reading is a superpower that all children deserve access to.”
Books can provide comfort, distraction, connection and a welcome sense of normalcy for children spending time in the hospital. A book chosen by a child can become something to enjoy during a challenging stay—and something to take home.
Shop local and support literacy on October 22
Thursday, October 22, offers a special opportunity to support the campaign while enjoying the Ridgecrest neighborhood’s local businesses.
- Ridgecrest Books: Receive 15% off book purchases on October 22. A longtime supporter of the PICU Book Cart, the bookstore will accept campaign book donations in its PICU Book Cart donation box.
- Seattle Barkery: Enjoy 15% off at this neighborhood business next to the bookstore.
- Ridgecrest Pub: Receive $1 off beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Can't shop on October 22? You can still help!
You can purchase books at Ridgecrest Books and place them in the PICU Book Cart donation box during the campaign. You can also shop directly from Andrea’s Amazon Wish List:
Amazon Wish List: See the Wish List here
Please check the wish list for current needs and preferred titles. Young children’s books are the campaign’s priority.
Small acts. Lasting impact.
Shoreline Rotary believes that service begins with simple acts of kindness that make a meaningful difference. By helping replenish the existing cart and supporting a second cart for the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, our community can help bring stories, comfort and the joy of reading to even more children.
Join Shoreline Rotary October 19–31. Shop local, donate a book and help share the superpower of reading!
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