Team

My name is Bobby Pelz and I am the founder of 25Books.  I'm also the web editor, the book buyer, the fundraiser and the general information guy.  I'm lucky to have a lot of help from friends and family, as well as the wonderful librarians I work with, but it's otherwise kind of a one man show around here.  I started 25Books because I was really proud of the work I did as a member of Launch Pad and I wanted to continue doing that work on a larger scale.  It is my hope that 25Books continues to grow and build on what Launch Pad began many years ago.  It is certainly possible that someday the program will reach every kid in Santa Cruz County who needs it.  Right now, I am just a volunteer with a program and a dream.

My other job is that of a high school English teacher at Watsonville High School.  I've been focused on education since college and a teacher for five years.  Last year was my first year at WHS and I had a blast.  I'm really happy to be part of the WHS family and I'm excited to team up with Amy, the librarian at the school to try giving books away to older kids.  One thing I've experienced at WHS however, is low interest in reading from our students.  It reinforces the need to make reading and books as special and exciting as possible - which is what 25Books aims to do.  Since WHS is in the same district as most of the kids 25Books gives books away to, I get to help my future students develop a love of reading before they get to me.  I am more committed than ever to getting as many quality books into the hands of these kids as I can.

Thanks for checking out the program and for your support.