By Elizabeth Cook

elizabeth.cook@salisburypost.com

You are probably too young to remember 1970.

For those who were around when the Beatles released “Let It Be,” these New York Times bestsellers from early that summer may sound familiar:

“Love Story,” by Erich Segal.

“Jonathan Livingstone Seagull,” by Richard Bach.

“The Mysterious Mannequin” (Nancy Drew Mystery No. 47).

All were signs of the times— and popular reading material over the summer of 1970.

Books are as important now as they were then, especially for students who need to keep their academic skills up over the summer and avoid what the experts call summer learning loss.

So far, Post readers have contributed more than $23,000 toward the Impact Summer Reading Fund. With a goal of $76,000, the fund aims to enable each rising sixth- through 12th-grader in the Rowan-Salisbury schools to choose a book to own and take home over the summer. Schools will host related activities.

The fund drive goes through June 5, so we have a lot of ground to cover in a short period of time. Please consider making a donation soon to help improve student achievement in our local schools.

Here’s an update on the fund: (Look for more in Monday’s Post)

Beginning total $21,562.22

For Southeast Middle School, from Gene and Leonard Wolfe … $25

For West Rowan Middle School, from Cleveland Lions Club …$100

For West Rowan Middle School, from Debbie & Summie Carter … $50

In honor of Tippie Miller, from Brien and Laura Lewis … $250

For Rowan County Early College, from Sheila Brownlow & Deal Safrit … $50

Greg and Missie Alcorn … $1,000

Dr. Judy Grissom … $500

New total … $23,537.22

How to give