At Start Reading Now, we believe every child deserves the chance to unlock their potential through the power of reading. By providing free books to students in need, we aim to foster a love of reading and close the literacy gap that limits future opportunities for so many. Reading isn’t just about enjoying stories—it’s a gateway to better education, healthier lives, and stronger communities. In this blog, we’ll explore how reading and literacy play vital roles in shaping graduation rates, life expectancy, and public health outcomes.

As I looked around my friend's home office, and took in the piles of carefully curated books, I felt a sense of pride. Here we were – two Minnesotans each running a nonprofit, passionate about literacy and kids, all while being parents ourselves. We work in the in-between spaces – during naps, after bedtimes and school drop offs. In our homes, out of our cars and on our laptops. Together we contribute to a larger picture of local people who care about Minnesota kids. Who care about literacy and creating lifelong readers.  

Over the past 7 years of working for Start Reading Now, I've been inspired countless times by the people I collaborate with.  

From the school employees who add to their already overloaded plates to make sure students have access to free books. To Start Reading Now's founders who gave me a dream job. ...

On Thursday, May 30, young students at St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) will have an opportunity to walk away with free books.

SPPS is hosting a series of elementary book fairs with Start Reading Now, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that helps all kids experience the joy of a book fair.

Read more at: https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/book-fairs-providing-free-books-for-st-paul-public-schools-students/

We are absolutely heartbroken to tell our SRN friends and family that on Friday evening, Board Chair Jim Wolford passed away unexpectedly. At this incredibly shocking time our thoughts and love are with Jim's wife and two sons, who he cherished and loved beyond words.

Jim's commitment to SRN and literacy programs will live on. With an eye towards national expansion, bringing in new sponsors, and growing the operation, Jim's vision was changing the world through reading. The SRN board is committed to this vision and will continue to champion the power of reading that Jim believed so passionately in.

A full statement is available from Atomic Data, Jim's primary business. https://www.atomicdata.com/atomic-data-devastated-by-the-unexpected-death-of-ceo-jim-wolford/

Literati, the popular curator and distributor of children's books, announced this week that it will expand its Literati Book Fair operations into Minneapolis in partnership with nonprofit literacy organization Start Reading Now. The arrangement will bring some 21 free Literati Book Fairs to Minneapolis schools in 2023 and will fund free books for kids in need. The initiative marks Literati's entrance into the Minneapolis market.

Read more at Publisher's Weekly. 

Lauren and Clifford at an SRN book fair

Lauren Beek’s passion for books started early: she remembers the excitement of being able to read a beloved Berenstain Bears book on her own for the first time. This enthusiasm grew, leading her to major in English, and become a nonprofit Communications specialist.

Start Reading Now, a Minneapolis literacy nonprofit, announced today that it has appointed Cammy Smith, MBA, CEPA®, CEO and President of Integrated Equity Management (IEM), to its board of directors effective March 17, 2021. 

"As we approach another Summer of online book fairs and begin to look to the future of Start Reading Now, we wanted to bring in fresh ideas and guidance,” said Jim Wolford, Start Reading Now’s chairman. “In addition to IEM’s continued financial support, Cammy’s leadership and professional network will enable us to plot a course towards regional and eventually national expansion. The entire board is thrilled to welcome Cammy to the team!”

February 16, 2021 -- MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Local literacy nonprofit Start Reading Now has transitioned to a board led by Atomic Data employees, Minnesota’s on-demand, always-on, IT as a Service provider, effective February 1, 2021. Atomic Data has been a long-time financial and volunteer supporter of Start Reading Now, and will help the nonprofit continue operations in the face of COVID-19. The change in leadership will allow Start Reading Now to better serve its existing market and eventually expand operations beyond the Twin Cities. 

Have you ever wondered how Start Reading Now came to be? Listen to co-founder, Kevin Terrell discuss our origin story and the research behind it with Will Bachman. Thanks again to Will and Umbrex for having us on the Unleashed podcast!

Episode 144 - Listen now!

Check out this great footage of a Start Reading Now book fair in action.

Thanks to Hmong International Academy for letting us capture your fair on film this year! And thanks to Atomic Data for all your superb volunteer support - we couldn't do this work without you.