Bookophilia hosts 'Celebrity Saturdays' for a cause

Today, book boutique and café, Bookophilia, backed by celebrity power, will host the second in its Celebrity Saturdays story-reading series for children's charities.

The reading, which runs from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., features media personality and Headline Entertainment Director Carlette DeLeon, who will read in aid of the Mona Rehabilitation Centre.

Janelle Brown, marketing manager at Bookophilia, said: "Bookophilia is not just a book store. We are about community and positive experiences. We hold a free children's story time every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., but we wanted to find a way to bring the joy of that experience to children who don't get the chance to even own their own books."

The independent bookstore, in partnership with celebrity friends, has dedicated some of its Saturday story-time slots to giving back.

Part of the proceeds from children's books sold at Celebrity Saturdays will go to the reader's charity of choice, and patrons are encouraged to purchase books to donate to the children.

The store reached out to members of the entertainment community for support, and DeLeon - best known from her work on Smile Jamaica and Fame FM - was one of the first responders.

Great initiative

"This initiative is a great way to help children who are in need," said DeLeon.

"Mona Rehab is a place that is close to my heart, so it feels good to know that volunteering my time to read to the little ones can make such a difference."

The Celebrity Saturdays series began in October with Stephen Newland, lead singer of Rootz Underground, who read in aid of the School for the Deaf, and will continue into the Christmas season.

Saturday, November 24, will see special guest host, radio personality Paula-Anne Porter Jones.

"We really hope people come out and support. It is so important for a child to feel like they can own something special.The knowledge and imagination offered in books are such an amazing gift," said Brown.