Heart of Gold: Bethany Elliott’s 12-Year Mission to Keep Yreka Kids Reading

When asked how many children participated in this year’s summer reading program, Bethany Elliott takes a deep, slow breath before responding with a beaming smile: “Too many!”

But for Elliott, the Children’s Program Coordinator at the Yreka branch of Siskiyou County Library, there’s no such thing as too many young readers. This September marks her 12th year leading the popular summer reading program for second and third graders from Yreka schools, and each year brings more participants than the last.

The concept is simple but effective: read 20 books or 20 chapters and pick two prizes. What sets Elliott’s program apart, however, are the enticing rewards she’s cultivated through community partnerships.

“Who wants junky prizes?” Elliott says with a laugh. “Give them something worth the effort.”

Nine years ago, Elliott revolutionized the prize selection, moving away from what she calls “Dollar store junk” to meaningful rewards donated by community members. The change has made a significant difference in participation and enthusiasm.

“The prizes are community donations—not Dollar store junk, but real nice prizes that are worth the effort,” Elliott explains. She’s already collecting donations for next year’s program.

Overcoming Challenges with Grace

Elliott’s dedication to inspiring children becomes even more remarkable when considering the personal challenges she faces daily. When two and a half years old, a near-drowning accident left Bethany with cerebral palsy. She uses a wheelchair and faces difficulties with speech and movement. But these obstacles have never slowed her commitment to helping children read and learn.

Always accompanied by her service dog Gemma, Elliott navigates her role with determination and joy.

Elliott had to wait a challenging year and a half for Gemma after losing Tammy, her previous service dog of nine years, to lung cancer.

“[It was like] being naked not having Tammy by her side on the three-block trip from her residence to the library every day during the summer,” Elliott recalls of that difficult period.

New Wheels, Same Heart

Recent changes have brought new possibilities to Elliott’s work. Thanks to what Bonnie describes as a new adjustable wheelchair that raises and lowers.

“The chair will raise, bringing the world into better alignment,” Bonnie notes, watching as Elliott zooms off with Gemma by her side to the copy machine.

Year-Round Commitment

Elliott’s work extends far beyond the summer reading program. She stays busy throughout the year fundraising, planning and executing holiday parties, organizing drawing contests, and developing garden-themed activities.

She even started going to the YMCA in Yreka, though the experience makes her feel uncomfortable and limits how often she wants to return.

“Older kids will not listen to me when I ask them not to pet Gemma,” Elliott explains. “Gemma is a working dog, and while out on excursions or working, Gemma’s job is to ‘pick up’—and she does so good. But pets and affection distract from her work. I need Gemma to stay focused.”

“Being a volunteer at the library makes my heart feel good,” Elliott says, her passion evident in every word.

The community will have another chance to support her efforts at the upcoming fair, where Elliott with other volunteers will be on hand.

“I love kids!” she declares, summing up the driving force behind her dozen years of service.

How to Help

Elliott reminds the community that she’s always accepting monetary donations for the children’s program. To contribute, call the Yreka Library at (530) 842-8807 and leave a message for Bethany. She will return calls with information about how to make donations.

Through Elliott’s tireless efforts, busy parents can ensure their children keep their reading skills sharp during the long summer months—and thanks to her dedication, those children are rewarded with prizes after their achievements.

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