Why Do Free Book Fairs Matter?

In a world filled with technology and devices, can you imagine seeing a young child get excited about a book? One place I've seen this time and time again is at our book fairs. The joy that these kids exude on book fair day fuels me all year long - I highly recommend volunteering to anyone and everyone I meet.
If you still need convincing as to why free book fairs matter, let me set the scene.
Many of the kids we serve have one or zero books at home. Now imagine you're that student and your teacher says there's a book fair at school today! And EVERYONE gets to attend - money isn't an issue today.
You bounce down the hallways, barely able to contain your excitement. You walk into the book fair and see 100s of new books on shelves around the room. You gasp at the beauty of it! The friendly volunteers welcome you in and give you a voucher good for 10 new books. Any 10 books you want! They're yours to keep and read forever.
After many decisions - Pete the Cat? Or Black Panther? Or a joke book? - you head to the register and pay for your new books with the voucher. Just like an adult. You feel pride and an immense sense of ownership. Another volunteer writes your name on a book bag and tells you to find a seat and start reading.
To own something, especially when you don't own much, carries weight. To own books makes reading fun and encourages kids to read more! Fifty-four percent of the kids who picked out 10 new books liked reading more after participating in our program.
Please help us continue this impactful work and donate today.
A Note of Thanks from our Director
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. ...
Read moreBook fairs providing free books for St. Paul Public Schools students
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/
Atomic Data Devastated by the Unexpected Death of CEO and Co-owner Jim Wolford
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 Book Fairs Expand into Minneapolis with Start Reading Now Partnership
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.
Spreading the Word: How Lauren Beek Cultivates Young Readers’ Passion for Books
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.
Read moreIEM's Cammy Smith joins the board at Start Reading Now
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!”
Read moreAtomic Data Takes the Lead with Start Reading Now
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.
Read moreStart Reading Now on the Unleashed Podcast
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!
KSTP News Coverage of Start Reading 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.