Launching Children Into a World of Reading
In our digitally saturated world, children encounter screens at an unprecedented rate, engaging with videos, ads, and games during unsupervised “screen time.” Meanwhile, a different digital realm exists: that of “digital books,” where parents actively participate in reading text and image-based materials with their children. How do these two realms impact parent-child communication, and what […]
We are overjoyed to introduce the B3 Books App, a groundbreaking resource for fostering early literacy and a love for reading among Texas families. This free app, available on both Apple and Android devices, is not just a library of diverse digital books in English and Spanish, but it’s also a guide for parents to […]
We at BookSpring are thrilled to extend a heartfelt invitation to join us at the National Book Access Association (NBAA) Annual Conference, happening on February 15-16, 2024. As proud founding members of the NBAA, this conference holds a special place in our hearts. It’s not just an event; it’s a gathering of souls united by […]
The state of Texas grapples with significant challenges in literacy and education, particularly among low-income, black, brown, and rural children. With nearly 6 million students enrolled in Texas public schools, it is crucial to delve into specific statistics that illustrate the pressing issues related to literacy rates, educational resources, and support systems. The State of […]
Why Celebrate Reading Milestones? Reading milestones are important moments to acknowledge and celebrate within a family. Recognizing and rewarding reading accomplishments not only provides a sense of achievement but also reinforces the joy and value of reading. In this article, we will explore the significance of celebrating reading milestones and provide creative and meaningful ways […]
Aug 1, 2023 – In the past year, the Books Beginning at Birth program, offered in collaboration with BookSpring and the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC), has made significant strides in promoting literacy and early childhood development across various communities. Through its initiatives, the program has reached representative locations throughout the […]
The children of Suzanne Louise Fournier Kennedy Viescas would like to invite friends and family to honor her memory and her life by donating to BookSpring in support of its enduring mission to ensure all children have access to books. Suzanne passed away in Paris, France at the age of 80 on July 17, 2023. […]
In March 2023, Scholastic released a groundbreaking white paper titled “Home Libraries,” which highlights the transformative potential of home libraries in closing the achievement gap. This blog post explores the key findings of Scholastic’s publication and emphasizes the role of book gifting programs, such as those offered by BookSpring, in fostering a love for reading […]
BookSpring staff recommends BookSmart, as a groundbreaking solution to tackle the global learning crisis. With the alarming statistic that 64% of 10-year-olds worldwide struggle to read and comprehend a simple story, BookSmart aims to bridge this gap by providing children with the necessary tools to cultivate a lifelong reading habit from an early age. You […]
“As a young mother, I didn’t know how to help my children be interested in books and learning, and I didn’t realize that even though I don’t speak English, I could still be very involved in their education. Book Club gave me a foundation and helped me gain confidence. It helped our whole family get […]
“The kids getting to choose a book and realizing that it is theirs to keep is still amazing. The parents watching and helping the kids pick books with such care was really wonderful too.” • “Many of our students hugged their new books tight and stared in disbelief, and said ‘I get to keep these […]
“What most impresses me about BookSpring is how well they have been able to personalize the experiences for our different populations by tailoring activities and stories to the age group, demographics, and season! BookSpring staff & volunteers are always thoughtful and intentional with their interactions, drawing families in to participate in the fun. BookSpring also […]
“My 2 yr old just started a PBS class last night, and I noticed that the BookSpring app for Weekly Themes is downloaded on the tablet she was given. I’m excited to see how the teacher will incorporate the Weekly Themes into the lessons she will be learning. My daughter calls the themes “blue butterfly […]
“At our clinic in Austin, talking about the importance of reading is part of what’s called the Well-Child Visit. Families take home a book thanks in part to the efforts of BookSpring. Pediatricians believe they’re well-positioned to promote literacy while assessing a child’s physical health.” – Pediatrician
In the vibrant Central Texas business community, there exists a shared belief that doing good is not only virtuous but also essential for sustainable growth and prosperity. RecognizeGood‘s prestigious Ethics in Business Award program embodies this philosophy, aiming to illuminate and honor businesses, individuals, and nonprofits that prioritize ethical practices. Announced in May 2023, BookSpring, […]
A new report from the US Census Bureau indicates that tablet use among families with children has increased significantly in recent years, with 80% of such families reporting tablet ownership, including 60% of families with caregivers who have not completed a high school education. The share jumps to 75% in households with children only under […]
Book Drives Give Back At St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, students recently learned about the importance of giving back through a BookSpring Book Drive. The drive was a huge success, with students donating over 2,000 books to the cause. But the drive was about more than just collecting books – it was also an opportunity for […]
The Power of Diverse Books In recent times, discussions about the importance of diverse books have gained significant attention. Amidst the controversies surrounding the teaching of critical race theory in schools, it is vital to understand the value that diverse books bring to children’s education. While headlines may focus on the resistance to inclusive education, […]
By: Jeannine Herron, et al. In this overview, learn how early literacy benefits from both print-to-speech and speech-to-print instruction, creating connections in the brain that link new knowledge about the alphabet to what children already know and are continuously learning about words. Introduction Recently there have been many discussions among academics about the “Science of […]
by Dr. Emily Ball Cicchini, Executive Director As we kick off this new year, our 49th of continuous operation, the challenge of communication across the many members of BookSpring remains. BookSpring is both grassroots and established, local and digital, and volunteer and professional. How do we manage all the different ways that people engage with […]
What is your job at BookSpring? I’m the Accounting Manager, so I handle the financial books and assist with fundraising and donor relations and data. What do you like about your job at BookSpring? When I first applied at BookSpring, I was fresh out of college and trying to figure out where I fit in […]
Parents and educators alike need timely information about how reading today may be different than it was in the past. In 2022, the pandemic, economic stress, and extreme weather events have all put stress on families with children and how they fit reading practices into their daily lives. To address this need, BookSpring conducts an […]
By: María José Meneses, Originally published in Porch.com Parents and other family members can enhance the benefits kids can obtain by complementing reading with a few related activities. While you might think that school teachers have plenty of time for these types of activities, the truth is that there often isn’t time during the school day […]
What is your job at BookSpring? I’m BookSpring’s Operations Manager. That means I have a uniquely diversified role. I manage all of our operations from onboarding new staff, to coordinating our university work studies and AmeriCorps programs, to the maintenance and care of our brand-new facility! What do you like about your job at BookSpring? […]
BookSpring is proud that our roots come from Reading Is Fundamental, the national program headquartered in Washington DC. In addition to being a continuing funder to BookSpring through the Books for Ownership programs, they watch news and trends, such as The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which showed recently that school disruptions caused by […]
Books Beginning at Birth Program for Texas Families Early childhood programs have long-lasting impacts on children, families, and broader communities. The Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) and BookSpring launched the Books Beginning at Birth program to ensure more families are empowered and motivated to read together. Texas families with children from […]
Has your family ever been given a book at your school or doctor’s office? Check for the BookSpring sticker! If you and your child have a book from us, BookSpring would love to hear from you! Please have you child draw us a picture of what they like or remember most about the book […]
Embracing the Digital Age In this rapidly evolving digital age, it is only natural that technology has become an integral part of our lives, including the way we engage with books and stories. As parents, it is important to strike a balance between traditional and digital forms of reading, ensuring that our children benefit from […]
It’s official! BookSpring has moved our headquarters to a new location in South Austin, 1807 W. Slaughter Lane, Building #1. Come visit us M-F, between 10-4, or sign up to volunteer in our new space or at our warehouse on Rutland Drive. NOTE: Our new mailing address is BookSpring, PO Box 153024, Austin, TX 78715-3024. […]
Ethan Woodfield Eiler of Austin, Texas, passed away on Monday, June 13, 2022, at 22. His family asks everyone to honor his memory by enjoying nature, reading a book, and cultivating meaningful and loyal friendships. He always sought ways to make a difference, leave somewhere better than he found, and create a more profound impact […]
