early childhood

Executive Director Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary

We are celebrating Emily Ball Cicchini’s five-year anniversary at BookSpring! She joined BookSpring in February 2015 and is proud of all that we, as a board, staff, partners, and volunteers, have accomplished together. In Emily’s words, “…this organization is truly a collaborative labor of love for hundreds of very committed individuals and thousands more who […]

Future work for 20 Books in Central Texas homes

by Emily Ball Cicchini, Executive Director This coming “hindsite is 20/20” year promises to be landmark one for BookSpring and for all the partners and families with children we serve. Wouldn’t it be great if we could know now what we’ll know in the future? Well, we can’t! The best we can do is pay […]

The New Faces of Children’s books

By: Ashley Hawes, JLA Volunteer As the world grows increasingly smaller due to connectivity through the internet and global travel, children’s books should represent the myriad of cultures and faces that exist within a quick search on the internet or a walk through the street in any metropolitan area. Children, especially those aged 0-5, are […]

Librarians are Superheroes

Dobie Pre-Kindergarten Librarian Alexia Haywood, in front of her newest bulletin board, holding two of her favorite books. By: Kara Hooper/ Guest Blogger  “Oh, I am so glad that you are here,” said Dobie Pre-Kindergarten Center librarian Alexia Haywood in a chipper, enthusiastic voice. “I can’t wait to get started on the Battle of the […]

Diverse Book Wish List

Do you want to contribute in a unique and meaningful way to our mission? We love to distribute books that are written by or for underrepresented people, because all children deserve the chance to see themselves reflected in the books they read. However, it costs about three times the amount for us to purchase these […]

Celebrating diversity with children’s books

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month, we suggest you consider hosting a book drive that exemplifies diverse characters reflective of young Central Texas readers. We ask that you collect and share children’s books that celebrate equality, diversity, and inclusiveness. We welcome books with positive and interesting representations of color, […]

Building meaningful bonds through books

GO programs engaging caregivers and children through motivational activities in read alouds and book giveaways.  This holiday season curl up with the family and some good books. Take turns reading pages aloud and pause to ask questions and discuss among one another characters, plot, and more. Books serve as a tool for parents to use […]

Volunteer Spotlight: Teresa Hanan

Teresa Hanan is a native Texan from Pasadena. When she is not busy building early literacy in Central Texas, the UT alum enjoys cooking and gardening in her spare time. Teresa began volunteering as a community reader last Spring. Although, she is no stranger to working directly with children. Teresa has a background as a […]

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