Judith’s Reading Room announces its 107th Library Graphic Novels Will Enrich Lives of “Care-Experienced” Youth in Scotland
April 2, 2024 — Judith’s Reading Room announced today that it will dedicate its 107th library in its 24th country in collaboration with Heavy Sound, Cockenzie, East Lothian, in the eastern central Lowlands of Scotland on August 10, 2024.
Judith’s Reading Room, a 501 (c) 3 literacy organization founded in 2010 in the memory of Judith F. Krug, a distinguished librarian and cousin to the founders, reached out to The Scottish Book Trust, Edinburgh, Scotland, to help identify a school or organization that would benefit from a library. It’s CEO, Marc Lambert, informed that “ If you are able to support Heavy Sound with books, you’ll be sure to be directing your charitable activities to those children who really need it most.”
Heavy Sound serves the most vulnerable, at risk and hardest to reach young people in Scotland, most of whom have poor/no literacy. The nonprofit organization recognizes the barriers this causes throughout their lives, and therefore aims to inspire and support them to become readers and writers. “We are absolutely thrilled that Judith’s Reading Room is supporting Heavy Sound by providing books that will enrich the lives of the people we support, said Linda Bendle, CEO Heavy Sound.
Working with The Scottish Book Trust and Heavy Sound, Judith’s Reading Room decided to focus on graphic novels — a genre shown in academic research* to be a positive literacy ‘stepping stone’ to help reluctant readers in their discovery of the joy of reading. According to the American Library Association, to get teenage reluctant readers reading, ‘we need to find the elusive reading material that provides interest.’
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*”Teenage Reluctant Readers,” Young Adult Library Services, American Library Association, Summer 2005. Courtesy Ana Luhrs, Librarian, Lafayette College, Easton, PA
A comprehensive list of graphic novels, provided by The Scottish Book Trust, will guide Judith’s Reading Room in its purchases to create the graphic novel library at Heavy Sound, serving youth ages 12-15.
Judith’s Reading Room
The mission of Judith’s Reading Room is to ‘enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy.’ It has fulfilled that mission by establishing 106 libraries (& counting!) in 23 countries with over 133,000 books donated worth $1.4 million. Its signature event, ‘The Freedom Through Literacy Award,’ annually recognizes and honors champions of literacy from all disciplines — teachers, authors, educators, researchers, nonprofit literacy organizations — from around the world. To date, over $58,000 has been awarded to 71 champions of literacy from 18 countries.
Today, you will be doing an enormous service for teens 12-15 years of age in Edinburgh, Scotland. These boys & girls are some of the most vulnerable in Scottish society who come from very tough backgrounds, often care backgrounds, and who have missed out on a lot of formal schooling.
Today’s Bookfair will benefit Judith’s Reading Room.
Judith’s Reading Room, a local Pennsylvania non profit literacy organization, established in 2010, has as its mission “to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy.” To date, the organization has dedicated 106 libraries in 23 countries with over 133,000 donated books.
Today, you will help us establish our 107th library in our 24th country dedicated to boys & girls ages 12-15 in collaboration with the non profit HeavySound.org in Edinburgh, Scotland. This is a great organization — it is not a ‘formal’ school, but it does offer these kids an outstanding educational and activity-based program.
The BEST BOOKS for teens who read way below grade level, are GRAPHIC NOVELS! Help us obtain GRAPHIC NOVELS!
Judith’s Reading Room will dedicate its 107th library with Heavy Sound in Edinburgh, Scotland the week of August 12, 2024. Your hard work to encourage Barnes & Noble patrons to be generous will result in a spectacular library.
What do #1 New York Times authors, Newbery Medal winners and National Book Award Winners Have in Common ?
Judith’s Reading Room Donates Dozens of Books To Children’s Home of Easton
January 10, 2024 — Easton, PA — Judith’s Reading Room, a literacy nonprofit organization established in 2010 in the memory of Judith Krug, a librarian, this week donated dozens of books by #1 best-selling authors, Newbery Medal and National Book Award winners to Children’s Home of Easton (CHE) in Easton, PA marking 12 years of sustained investment in the future success of at-risk youth.
Throughout the years, the organization has donated to CHE over 2,000 books valued at nearly $22,000 to augment their library under the direction of Marlene Arnholt, with the goal of instilling a love of reading by providing outstanding young adult literature.
“Establishing libraries filled with the right books for both advanced and struggling readers and organizing book clubs has been at the core of our literacy work around the world since 2010,” said Cathy Leiber, President, Judith’s Reading Room.
The mission of Judith’s Reading Room is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy. The organization has fulfilled that mission by dedicating 105 libraries (and counting!) in 23 countries with nearly 132,500 books donated worth $1.4 million.
In addition to establishing libraries around the world, Judith’s Reading Room supports its annual Freedom Through Literacy Award. Teachers, librarians, authors, researchers, educators are encouraged to apply. Applications for the 2024 Freedom Through Literacy Award are posted on the website www.judithsreadingroom.org. Deadline for receipt of applications is February 5, 2024.
Barnes & Noble Customers Define the True Meaning of
“A Season of Giving”
December 20, 2023 — Blandon, Pa — Judith’s Reading Room, a literacy non-profit, applauds the staff and customers of Barnes & Noble Wyomissing, Pennsylvania for supporting it as their Holiday Book Drive Charity. This holiday season, book lovers donated over 150 children’s books with a cover price value of $1,438.
The organization requested that employees emphasize the donation of teen books. Their efforts proved successful and, as a result, three organizations that provide live-in services for at-risk youth will receive books for their Judith’s Reading Room Book Clubs. Namely: Children’s Home of Easton, Pa; Harkins’ House, Portland, Or; and, Louisiana United Methodist Family & Children’s Services, Ruston, La. Each of these organizations stress the importance of literacy as a significant protective factor for children who come from families dealing with overwhelming issues such as loss of jobs, unsafe neighborhoods or family trauma.
Barnes & Noble Wyomissing, PA Store Manager, Paul Weisser
“Our gratitude cannot be measured. We appreciate the store management for choosing Judith’s Reading Room as their 2023 Holiday Book Drive Charity and profusely thank the associates for understanding the role books can play in helping kids manage tough times. Their effort to encourage patrons to donate a book will give kids the unique, life-changing experience of participating in a book club,” said Cathy Leiber, President, Judith’s Reading Room.
Judith’s Reading Room’s mission is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy. We have fulfilled that mission since 2010 by establishing 105 libraries in 23 countries (and counting!) with over 132,000 books donated. Applications for the 2024 Freedom Through Literacy Award may be found at www.judithsreadingroom.org. Deadline for applications is February 5, 2024.
KidsBenefit from Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive
Judith’s Reading Room plans to establish kids’ book clubs
November 17, 2023 — Thanks to Barnes & Noble Wyomissing, Pa, Judith’s Reading Room will once again support schools and after school programs with children’s books. For the 4th year in a row, this B&N location selected Judith’s Reading Room as its Holiday Book Drive Charity which runs from November to December 7th.
Most people have heard the words, “Book Club,” but how many relate those words with kids? Since 2015, Judith’s Reading Room has been a leading proponent of book clubs for children. Why? Because book clubs offer children the chance to discuss a book without judgment, listen to different opinions, assume leadership while asking probing questions and to generally understand what’s going on around them.
Judith’s Reading Room reported on the power of kids’ book clubs when it produced the documentary, ‘Cracking Open the Universe,’ that highlighted the importance of literacy as a significant protective factor for at-risk youth. Featured at the 2015 LV Film Festival, it showcased the reality of children who come from families dealing with overwhelming issues such as loss of jobs, unsafe neighborhoods or family trauma. At the invitation of the Children’s Home of Easton, Easton, Pa and Harkins’ House in Portland, Or, the organization’s film crew witnessed kids in the throes of book club sessions. View the documentary HERE.
The Holiday Book Drive runs through December 7, 2023. “Generous B&N customers are encouraged to donate a book at the check out counter and kids will get more than a book this year — they’ll get the unique, life-changing experience of participating in a book club,” said Cathy Leiber, President, Judith’s Reading Room.
Judith’s Reading Room’s mission is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy. We have fulfilled that mission since 2010 by establishing 105 libraries in 23 countries (and counting!) with over 132,000 books donated.
To apply for the 2023 Judith’s Reading Room’s ‘Freedom Through Literacy Award’ and to learn more about its newest Awards, visit www.judithsreadingroom.org.
Books Not Toys, For a Change..Info & Updates Barnes & Noble Patrons in Wyomissing Help Improve Lives
Judith’s Reading Room, a 501(c)3 based in eastern PA was selected — for the 2nd year in a row — as the Barnes & Noble Wyomissing PA 2021 Holiday Book Drive Charity. From November 1st, and running straight through the holiday season — patrons at the location were able to donate a book or two at checkout for a child in need and forever change that child’s life.
As an alternative to the expected toy shortage this holiday season, Judith’s Reading Room suggests that families consider buying books not toys — books for your family and for families who cannot afford to buy them. Barnes & Noble makes this act of generosity easy.
“Since Judith’s Reading Room’s inception in 2010, Barnes & Noble has placed confidence in our ability to get donated books into the hands of less fortunate children here and around the world,” noted Cathy Leiber, President, Judith’s Reading Room. She added, “It is impossible to state how emotional it is for families to receive new books.”
Barnes and Noble Holiday Book Drive for Judith’s Reading room UPDATES!
Thank you for all of these wonderful photos! They really tug on the booksellers’ heartstrings when they look through them!
Michael Burger
Barnes & Noble
Wyomissing PA 2021
@BNReadingPA
APRIL 24, 2022 …
Where does the time go? We finally have our Cat Tales- Kids Reading to Cats program back in full swing.
As promised. I am sending you some photos of the kiddos reading the Barnes and Nobles books that your organization donated to us. The first photo is of a group of Girl Scouts that came to read to the cats and were delighted to see all the new books to choose from. I had them hold up some of their favorites for the photo.
I’ve attached several photos of our readers in action. …most of the photos had to be taken through the windows of the rooms so we didn’t disturb the readers or the cats. In one of the photos you’ll see how the kittens all swarmed around the little boy reading to them. In another photo you will see a black kitten trying to escape in the backpack of one of the readers. Don’t worry we check backpacks, purses and sweatshirts with large pockets before anyone leaves the shelter to make sure they don’t have a stow-away with them. Many times the reader has to do double duty –reading and petting at the same time. Enjoy!
FEBRUARY 28, 2022 … These are the photos (and video!) from Resita City, Romania. This wraps up the sharing of the distribution of the 2022 Holiday Book Drive books Judith’s Reading Room donated thanks to the generosity of patrons at the Wyomissing Barnes & Noble – thanks always to Michael and his B&N colleagues.
FEBRUARY 17, 2022 … Photos of Barnes & Noble books we donated to award-winning teacher, Joicki Floyd, East Side High School, Newark, NJ. Joicki tells us the 10th and 12th grade students “were excited” and “chose their own book.”
FEBRUARY 1, 2022… Fantastic — adorable — inspiring photos from our 2020 Grand Prize Freedom Through Literacy Award winner, Chris McGilvery, in Texas! Please see the video for the children’s lovely thank you!
JANUARY 30, 2022… Here photos from Rev. Dr. Leoda Topps, pastor of the SME Church in Mississippi.
Dr. Topps, a Ph.D. In Education, helps children with their homework after school.
JANUARY 27, 2022… The books arrived in Chinle, AZ, Navajo Nation…finally! The woman in the photo is Alvira, who put the books from Barnes & Noble into the temporary, first-ever, mobile library on the reservation, that serves 128,000 residents.
JANUARY 21, 2022… Please see these exceptional photos of books — donated during the 2021 Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive — that were shipped and received by Derek Witmer’s 2nd grade in Harrisburg. We are thrilled that the books are loved so much!
JANUARY 21, 2022… Below please see a few photos from Mosaic Preparatory Academy. The generous books from Barnes & Noble have made a noticeable difference there!
Hi Cathy!
Please find attached the photos of the wonderful book donations you provided us through Barnes and Noble!
In the photos is one of our scholars who “purchased” a SpongeBob book, our library display so that kids could browse the new books for the vending machine, and some of the books featured in the vending machine!
Thank you so much for your generous donations. The kids are so excited!
JANUARY 19, 2022… JRR donated 46 YA books to Children’s Home of Easton yesterday. The books were hand-picked out of the generous 2021 Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive. In May, 2012, JRR established a library at CHE with an initial donation of 450 books. An important part of that donation was the commitment to support their first-ever Book Group. Each month for years, JRR bought 10 copies of a book they chose for this literacy-rich experience. The Book Group is still alive and well all these years later thanks to the superb dedication of CHE’s Marlene Arnholt.
JANUARY 11, 2022… Attached are photos from Harkins House, a juvenile residential center near Portland, Oregon where many YA books were sent. Thank you again to Barnes & Noble for selecting Judith’s Reading Room as their 2021 Holiday Book Drive Charity.
JANUARY 8, 2022 … These photos are ADORABLE!! Thank you very much for sending them. And, thank you for following up with photos of the children reading aloud to the kitties!
NOVEMBER 19, 2021...Thank You…Thank You…Thank you…to all the holiday shoppers who have purchased books for Judith’s Reading Room. So far, five large boxes have been picked up and will be sent to many of our libraries and Freedom Through Literacy Award winners throughout the world. Thank you Barnes and Noble, Wyomissing, PA for choosing us as your holiday charity.
Barnes & Noble Patrons in Wyomissing Help Improve Lives
October 26, 2021 — Judith’s Reading Room, a 501(c)3 based in eastern PA is proud to announce its selection — for the 2nd year in a row — as the Barnes & Noble Wyomissing PA 2021 Holiday Book Drive Charity. Beginning November 1st, and running straight through the holiday season — patrons at the location can donate a book or two at checkout for a child in need and forever change that child’s life.
As an alternative to the expected toy shortage this holiday season, Judith’s Reading Room suggests that families consider buying books not toys — books for your family and for families who cannot afford to buy them. Barnes & Noble makes this act of generosity easy.
“Since Judith’s Reading Room’s inception in 2010, Barnes & Noble has placed confidence in our ability to get donated books into the hands of less fortunate children here and around the world,” noted Cathy Leiber, President, Judith’s Reading Room. She added, “It is impossible to state how emotional it is for families to receive new books.”
Judith’s Reading Room’s mission is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy. The organization has established 102 libraries in 22 countries serving tens of thousands of kids.
To learn more about Judith’s Reading Room and its annual Freedom Through Literacy Award visit www.judithsreadingroom.org.
Harrisburg, PA. Schools Win Recognition for their “Diversity & Inclusion” Library
Books give power to open discussion about topics at any grade level.
October 14, 2021 — Diversity and inclusion in the classroom starts early in Harrisburg, PA schools, thanks to the leadership and initiative of an exemplary second grade teacher. Derek Witmer, winner of a 2021 Judith’s Reading Room Freedom Through Literacy Award, developed and curated a “Diversity and Inclusion” library at Paxtonia Elementary School as a tool to share with fellow teachers.
Hailed by his principal, Julia Batdorf, as a “conscientious and exemplary teacher,” Witmer’s important project is now replicated in a second school with a donation of $500 from Judith’s Reading Room. South Side Elementary School in Harrisburg, PA under the leadership of 2nd grade teacher Stacey Chyr, is the recipient of Judith’s Reading Room’s 102nd library. “The library is up and running,” said Chyr. She added, “The teachers are really excited about having such a great collection of books.” Twenty-six books will be available to just over 800 students in grades Kindergarten through Fifth grade.
Curated by Derek Witmer, the library includes books which touch on topics such as general diversity, acceptance, gender identity, familial make ups, disabilities, and SEL; as well as stories about a student who has a parent in prison, or families dealing with immigration or language barriers, and stories that tackle with the loss of a parent. “The extensive range of books Derek curated sheds light on the complexity and reality of students in classrooms across America today,” said Cathy Leiber, President, Judith’s Reading Room.
“The more representation we are able to see in our children’s literature, the more accepting and inclusive a world we can build,” said Witmer.
Resources and discussion cards accompany the library for teachers to familiarize themselves with the topics and feel comfortable leading discussions with their students.
The mission of Judith’s Reading Room is to enrich lives and societies by proactively encouraging freedom through literacy. To date, the organization has fulfilled that mission by establishing 102 libraries in 22 countries with over 128,000 books worth nearly $1.4 million.
Applications for the 2022 Freedom Through Literacy Award will be posted on the website at www.judithsreadingroom.org in January 2022.
We ask that you please make a donation to Judith’s Reading Room, in support of our ongoing recognition of what is being accomplished in the great world of literacy, as well as funding our shipment of children’s books, both domestically and internationally.
