This November 19th, 2024, the City of Austin will officially recognize BookSpring Day, a celebration of 50 years of literacy and community impact by BookSpring. Since our founding in 1974 as Friends of Reading is Fundamental of Austin, we?ve helped countless Central Texas families unlock a lifetime of learning by providing free books and resources. To mark this special anniversary, we invite everyone in the community to join us in reflecting on these five decades of service?and we?d love for you to share your BookSpring memories in a way that?s meaningful to you.
A 50-Year Journey of Literacy for All
What began in 1974 as a small volunteer-led project to bring books to Austin?s children has grown into an organization that has distributed millions of books across Central Texas. In 2008, we merged with Capital Area Reach Out and Read, enhancing our mission to reach even more families in need. Today, BookSpring programs like Libros para mí, ReadWell...y... Libros desde el nacimiento are built to inspire a love for reading and ensure that every child in our region has the resources to thrive.
BookSpring?s Community Impact Over the Years
For half a century, BookSpring has shaped the educational landscape of Central Texas, expanding the number of diverse books in children?s homes and forming partnerships with schools, clinics, and other local organizations. Our programs have led to measurable improvements in children?s reading scores and language proficiency, and our outreach continues to grow each year, reaching families throughout Texas. In recognition of these efforts, we?ve been honored by the Library of Congress Best Practices in Literacy Award, among many other accolades.
How to Join the Celebration and Share Your BookSpring Memories
To celebrate this golden anniversary, we?re asking you to share your BookSpring stories with us! Here?s how:
- Post Your Story: Share your memories, photos, or stories with us on your favorite social media platform using @BookSpringATX?whether it?s a cherished book, a volunteer experience, or a memory from a BookSpring event, we?d love to see it.
- Email Us: If social media isn?t your thing, feel free to email your stories and photos directly to give@bookspring.org. We may feature your memories as part of our 50th-anniversary celebration!
- Tell a Friend or Family Member: Encourage friends and family who?ve been a part of BookSpring?s journey to share their stories as well. We?
re building a community scrapbook of memories, and every story counts!
Thank You, Central Texas!
For all of you who?ve supported BookSpring over the years, whether as donors, volunteers, or readers?thank you! BookSpring Day is not just about looking back; it?s about celebrating what we?ve accomplished together and renewing our commitment to the next generation of readers and learners.
Watch the Proclamation Ceremony
Here?s to the future, Central Texas! Let?s keep the pages turning for every child, every family, and every community we serve.