Jan’s, an institution in Beaverton for 39 years, is the place to go for rare used books, new books and homemade crafts. “Not only are we a local bookstore, we are one of the oldest continuously woman-owned businesses in the community,” says owner Lori Carroll.

A real focus for many in Beaverton, the mandatory closure brought on by the pandemic was especially difficult for the shop. “Jan’s is a meeting ground for people and not being allowed to congregate has been really, really hard,” says Carroll.

Yet even as they were forced to shut down, the need for reading continues. So when Columbia Bank invited Lori to join the Pass it On Project she knew exactly who would benefit. With Columbia Bank helping to foot the bill, Jan’s is passing it on to local schools by donating books to school children. “Kids need ways to escape, and books are the greatest form of escape in the world,” says Carroll. “With funds from Columbia Bank, we are making sure that young minds and young imaginations are nurtured, no matter what.”