Updates

Summer Success 2022 Program Recap This May, BookSpring visited six campuses in three Central Texas cities—Austin, Del Valle, and Pflugerville—and distributed over 4,500 books to 564 elementary students through our Summer Success Program. The program serves first and second graders enrolled in Title I schools and provides each child with ...

Despite an unexpected but welcome Spring rain storm, about 35 supporters and friends of BookSpring gathered to celebrate early literacy enrichment with the theme, "Dig into Reading." Held at the eclectic Sparky Pocket Park pavilion in Central Austin, there was just enough room inside and on the porch for everyone ...

In April, the Rodriguez Elementary library magically morphed into a science lab equipped with safety goggles, experiment materials, and an in-house scientist. The librarian, Ms. Mott, was mysteriously absent, and her cousin, Dr. Stein, had taken over. Dr. Stein instructed them to place their hands on the scanner when students ...

Partner Spotlight is on Perez Elementary School. With BookSpring’s Books for Me program this month, Perez Elementary librarian Randi Sather transformed her library into a picturesque, serene campsite. I got the chance to visit Ms. Sather on two event days. On the first day, she took her first and second ...

Let's Read a Book Together! Reading is not just a solitary activity; it can be a wonderful opportunity for families to bond, learn, and grow together. By incorporating interactive reading techniques, families can make the reading experience more engaging and enjoyable. In this article, we will explore various methods such ...

February 25th marks my employment anniversary as Executive Director of BookSpring, which started in 2015. As my motto is “Follow compassion, lead with reflection, and serve with commitment,” I’d like to take this time to share some of the triumphs and learning moments observed during this relatively brief time of ...

Stories from Two World Traditions Two of America's biggest holidays happen this month: Hanukkah and Christmas. While I've been celebrating and watching people celebrate these holidays all my life, it came to my attention recently that I have no idea where these traditions came from. So I did a little ...

'Tis the season for reading! The holiday break is a great opportunity for kids to kick back and relax. What better way to relax than by curling up with a good book every night! Our volunteers shared some of their top children’s book recommendations for kids 3-8 years old. Olaf's ...

Porch.com recently reached out for advice from experts, like BookSpring, to provide book lovers with tips on various topics. This is an excerpt from the article written by Lorena Romo. Every book lover will agree that reading not only brings you lots of benefits, but it can take you to ...

The promotion of literacy at home has long-term benefits for the whole family. Reading together not only has developmental benefits, but it also increases the parent and caregiver-child bond, creating healthier relationships and a more solid sense of security and empathy long-term. Steps to create a reader-friendly environment that inspires ...

Booktoberfest Champions Event celebrated families, individuals, or organizations that have supported BookSpring with either a cumulative annual gift of over $1,000 or have given $5,000 over a lifetime. These dedicated individuals have made early childhood literacy a priority, and for that, we like to take time twice a year to ...

Fall Day of Caring Fall Day of Caring is a day that embraces and celebrates volunteerism through a day of service hosted by United Way for Greater Austin (UWATX). Corporate volunteer teams, individuals from the community, and organizations like BookSpring can participate. This year's Fall Day of Caring benefited members ...

For a young reader, having access to books is paramount. Research suggests that increasing the number of books available to students, especially at a young age, leads to higher reading scores and academic achievement overall. More books in the classroom and at home means a student has more to choose ...

Research confirms that families play an essential role in promoting early literacy. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading daily to young children helps their brain development (O’Keefe, 2014). Families can foster engagement while promoting early literacy! Reading together establishes a shared event in which stronger bonds develop between parents, ...

One question that’s top of mind to everyone who has a child in school or works in a school is: What do we need to be doing right now to help kids make it through this challenging time? Our friends at First Book, a national non-profit clearinghouse for books for ...

The Junior League of Austin (JLA) is donating $3,000 to BookSpring to grow our program staff. This generous grant will allow us to increase staffing in delivering our continuum of literacy programs throughout Central Texas. BookSpring is also proud to be a community project of The Junior League of Austin ...

By: María José Meneses, Originally published in Porch.com As children, we were told that reading is important, and many of us are among the millions of library users, audible subscribers, and bookstore shoppers. But exactly why is it important, and how do we convince kids of its inherent value? Well, like ...

Kids and families interested in reading and watching multicultural stories should check out the award-winning and educational publisher, The Trevor Romain Company. Co-founded in 2007 by South African children's author, TV personality, and speaker Trevor Romain, This publisher offers educators, counselors, caregivers, and families resources to become happier, healthier, and ...

BookSpring’s Volunteer Spotlight highlights our gratitude for the heroes behind the scenes. The Volunteer Spotlight is on Sheila Carver, a dedicated volunteer who loves kids and books! She has been volunteering with us since 2019. What is your volunteer role with BookSpring? What are some of the activities you have ...

By: Georgean and Paul Kyle, Travis Audubon  Travis Audubon honors devoted volunteer Anne Donovan with a BookSpring Flying Book Society membership. Today we celebrate Anne Donovan as a consummate educator and conservationist. We are thrilled to celebrate her legacy of service and education with a gift to BookSpring in her ...

Reading is the key to summer fun! With the vast world at children's fingertips with a turn of a page, kids can travel all summer long with some good books. Reading is a pivotal opportunity for children to have a fun and fulfilling summer. Here's why! Imagination and Entertainment Reading ...

BookSpring’s Volunteer Spotlight highlights our gratitude for the heroes behind the scenes. The Volunteer Spotlight is on Lili Cantu. Lili has contributed to the BookSpring mission for years as a staff member turned volunteer. What is your volunteer role with BookSpring? What are some of the activities you have helped ...

Check out these picture books to explore the theme "When I Grow Up" with kids ages 4-8. BookSpring volunteer Donovan Archer reviewed these books. Subscribe for more Children’s Books Reviews. I Used to Be the Baby By Robin Ballard “I used to be the baby, but now I am big.” ...

By Jayme Carrico Studies have found a child’s access to books plays a significant role in early childhood literacy. One recent study found that providing access to books, book giveaway programs encourage reading time between parents and children, increase a child’s overall interest in reading, and advances a child’s early ...

Join us for this very special BookSpring event! Who: Christy and Turk Pipkin of The Nobelity Project When: Thursday, April 22, 2021, 5 pm Where: via Zoom! RSVP, and we will email a private link to you. Donate & Register Guest Speakers Turk Pipkin Founder of The Nobelity Project, Turk Pipkin is an award-winning author, director, ...

Prashanth Shenoy began volunteering with us this past year. Having little access to books growing up in India inspired him to get involved with BookSpring. Prashanth is a devoted volunteer who assists with book pickups and deliveries. He is also helping with the mailing of BookSpring Direct book bundles to ...

Spring has sprung! It is time to stop and smell the roses. Check out these fun picture books to discover and learn about different types of flowers. BookSpring volunteer, Donovan Archer reviewed these books. Subscribe for more Children's Books Reviews. Look! Flower! by Stephanie Calmenson “Look! Flowers! They’re beautiful to ...

We are shining the spotlight on the founder of Community Helping Hands, Austin, TX, and Charity Links, Haley Meyer! Haley is a pro at connecting caring and giving individuals to meet the direct needs of multiple Austin nonprofits like us. What is your volunteering role with BookSpring?  I have been ...

The Kid Approved Series is a collection of book recommendations by kids for kids and their families. Kids share what they enjoyed reading the most and why these stories made an impact on them. Ramona by Beverly Cleary Review by  Ella L. (Gorzycki Middle School) When I was little, my ...

By Emily Ball Cicchini, Ph.D., Executive Director Let’s talk about Dr. Seuss! You may have heard that some of his books are being discontinued by their publishers. Some people are saying that this is censorship or something called "cancel culture." However, only six from his collection of 60 books are ...