Updates

'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 ...
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Our Partner Spotlight is on Foundation Communities! For over three years, we've collaborated with Foundation Communities to host family literacy events. These events were held for their after school and PreK-3 preschool programs. More than 1,000 children attend their free learning programs at their on-site Learning Centers. Through our partnership, ...
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We hope that you and your family are taking special care during this time of uncertainty and isolation. Just know that BookSpring is fully engaged in reaching deep into our communities in Central Texas and delivering on our mission of distributing books and promoting literacy for our kids and families ...
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The BookSpring 2020 Central Texas Reading Survey provides valuable information about the reading habits of families in Central Texas.  Conducted annually with consistent methods over the past three years, the effort provides a longitudinal snapshot of our regional progress in early literacy.  As in previous years, it prompts interesting questions ...
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The accent was on HAPPY as we gathered together in the Fall with family and friends for the Happy Hour, an engaging virtual event with Authors Sarah Bird and David Rice. We raised $12,318 “with a little help from our friends,” enabling BookSpring to extend that critical lifeline of literacy ...
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Share your love of reading through Book Reviews Do you love to share stories about the good books you've read lately?  If so, BookSpring invites you to become a volunteer book reviewer!  You can do this on video, or through a written blog post.  Both ways help share excitement and ...
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A reading nook can be the perfect way to enjoy curling up with your favorite books! Read Lorena Romo's guest blog for some tips and tricks that will inspire you to craft a perfect reading nook. Click here to access the full blog via porch.com Why Create a Reading Nook? For ...
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Community Action of Central Texas has partnered with BookSpring, since January 2019, to provide children and families with books throughout Hays County.  This month the partner spotlight is on Community Action of Central Texas. Check out Sandra Martell's guest blog.  The Community Action of Central Texas serves families of all ...
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Current Status: BookSpring is open as an essential business providing services to low-income families in Central Texas.  However, we are observing all city, county, state, and federal mandates.  This includes requiring the use of face masks and gloves from all employees and volunteers, practicing social distancing of at least 6 ...
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By Emily Ball Cicchini, PhD Making Back To School Special This year back to school feels so strange for so many families.  The comforting routines and rituals we normally repeat this time of year, from purchasing school supplies to meeting the new teachers to getting back to a schedule of ...
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Our friends at H-E-B at N. Lamar and Rundberg have a little more in store for teachers and families preparing for back to school. TODAY (Friday, August 7) 500 in-store and Curbside shoppers will receive an extra “surprise and delight” as part of the retailer’s back-to-school initiatives – a free ...
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BookSpring's Board of Directors is comprised of individuals committed to ensuring we do the best work possible in pursuit of our goals to serve children and families in Central Texas. Board members are active participants in our annual evaluation and planning efforts. They volunteer their time to actively participate in ...
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by Emily Ball Cicchini, Executive Director Considering all the challenges for the past fiscal year (July 1, 2019- June 30, 2020), BookSpring is doing remarkably well.  This sense of accomplishment is reflected by those in the community with whom we are working.  We received a modest Payroll Protection Program loan ...
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We're reposting this guest blog, by Natalia Mirkowicz, to encourage parents and caregivers, during quarantine, to establish a reading routine with their babies at home. Here's why... A common misconception among families is that literacy education starts during the school years. Yet, research shows that starting to read and speak ...
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Over the years we have been fortunate to work with the wonderful ladies of the National Charity League (NCL). The group's mission is to foster mother-daughter relationships in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences. This week we want to shine the spotlight on our ...
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What is your job at BookSpring? Director of Development and Marketing What do you like about your job at BookSpring? I love working towards fulfilling our vision of home libraries for every kid in need throughout Central Texas and encouraging families to read together. How has your job at BookSpring ...
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Lorena Koppel recommends you spend your summer relaxing and enjoying a great book! If you loved the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, and are looking for similar reads to enjoy, you’ve come to the right place! Here are 5 of the best middle-grade fantasy essentials for your next reading ...
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Lift as You Climb The Story of Ella Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell Review by Frannie Rooney, Literacy First Volunteer  I came across “Lift as You Climb” while browsing the Austin Public Library’s Kids section. It was the first book I saw under “New”. Considering the current progress of the ...
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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 caregiver-child bond, creating healthier relationships and a more solid sense of security and empathy long-term. Here are some steps to create a reader-friendly environment ...
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By: Dana Silverman  With the summer break now in session, most children now have plenty of free time. So what should parents do now to keep their children busy? The answer is simple. Read. Reading can be a pivotal opportunity for children to have a fun and fulfilling summer. An ...
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A recent survey released by the U.S. Census shows that 55% of households with job loss had children in the home.  They were more likely to face food insecurity and be unsure of paying their rent or mortgage in June.  This means that over half of the adults facing belt-tightening ...
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