by Emily Ball Cicchini, Ph.D.
As I begin my tenth year as Executive Director of BookSpring, I am filled with anticipation and optimism for what lies ahead. The journey we’ve undertaken together has laid a strong foundation for the future, and I am energized by the opportunities we have to continue growing, innovating, and deepening our impact. In 2025, we will build on a decade of progress to expand access to books and literacy for families across Texas and beyond.
A Vision for the Next Decade
Ten years ago, our mission was simple yet profound: to get books into the hands of children who need them most. That mission remains at the heart of everything we do, but our methods and reach have evolved tremendously. In 2025, we are doubling down on our commitment to combine the power of local, in-person programs with innovative digital tools to create a comprehensive ecosystem of literacy support for families.
Local In-Person Programs: Strengthening Communities
This year, we are poised to extend the reach of our cornerstone in-person programs even further.
- Open Book Distribution: In 2025, we aim to serve 40,000 children through our partnerships with schools, childcare centers, and local organizations, providing books that foster a love of reading and support academic success.
- Expanding Early Books for Me and ReadWell: These programs will continue to work closely with pediatricians and childcare providers to embed literacy into everyday family routines. By focusing on shared reading time and parent engagement, we are empowering families to create literacy-rich homes.
- Deepening Partnerships Across Sectors: Our collaboration with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations in Travis and Williamson Counties will expand, allowing us to reach even more underserved families. New partnerships with local businesses, publishers, and foundations will ensure access to high-quality, culturally relevant titles.
Digital Tools: Scaling Literacy Statewide
In 2025, we are investing in digital resources to complement our in-person programs, reaching families in remote and underserved areas.
- Books Beginning at Birth: Our flagship program will continue delivering bilingual books and activities to families across Texas, supported by a mobile app designed to engage parents and children.
- Enhanced Digital Library: New themes and activities tailored to specific age groups will keep families inspired and engaged, ensuring literacy becomes a cornerstone of family life.
- Parent Support: Through micro-videos, interactive tools, and live workshops, we’ll empower parents with strategies to make reading a joyful, shared experience.
Measuring Impact: Data-Driven Growth
In 2025, we will refine our evaluation metrics to ensure our programs meet the diverse needs of the families we serve. Our surveys will track literacy behaviors, such as:
- Pointing out letters and words during reading sessions.
- Encouraging children to connect books to their lives.
- Supporting children in narrating stories themselves.
These insights will guide our efforts to create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the families we serve.
Goals for 2025 and Beyond
As we look ahead, our focus will be on:
- Expanding Access: Serving more families through both local and statewide programs.
- Enhancing Digital Engagement: Creating new, age-appropriate content that inspires lifelong learning.
- Strengthening Evaluation Metrics: Leveraging data to refine our approach and maximize impact.
- Advancing Equity: Prioritizing outreach to underserved communities, ensuring every child has access to the resources they need to succeed.
A Grateful Heart
The progress we’ve made and the vision we share for the future are possible because of the dedication of our Board of Directors, staff, partners, and community. Their passion, creativity, and commitment fuel every success, and I am deeply grateful for their contributions.
As we embark on the next chapter, I invite you to join us in shaping a brighter future. Together, we will ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to experience the joy and transformative power of reading. Here’s to an exciting year ahead—and to many more years of making a difference, one book at a time.
