“Freedom Through Literacy”
Est. 2010 in memory of Judith F. Krug
April 15, 2025 — Judith’s Reading Room promised retired RN Joyce Edwards that she would receive 151 brand new children’s books from the eastern Pennsylvania nonprofit to create a first-ever library at her new day care center in Holcomb, Mississippi serving 67 children. Three months later, one box of books is still “missing” in Memphis, TN.
February 15, 2025 — Judith’s Reading Room, a nonprofit literacy organization founded in 2010 in the memory of Judith F. Krug, a distinguished librarian and cousin to its founders, dedicated its 110th library today at Watch Me Grow Learning Academy in Grenada, Mississippi with 151 brand new children’s books to fill their empty book shelves.
The decision to dedicate the 110th library in February is to honor two occasions: Black History Month and the 15th anniversary of Judith’s Reading Room. To celebrate its milestone anniversary, the organization declared a bold initiative: Dedicate brand new or enhance 15 of its existing libraries in 2025.
February 15, 2025 — In honor of Black History Month, Judith’s Reading Room announced that it expanded its library at Avery Chapel AME Church in Southaven, Mississippi. The additional donation of books to our 99th Judith’s Reading Room library is a featured part of the organization’s bold initiative “15 Libraries to Celebrate Our 15th Anniversary in 2025.” For this milestone event, Judith’s Reading Room’s board of directors voted to dedicate 15 new or enhanced eponymous libraries across the globe.
Today, Avery Chapel AME Church inaugurated its enhanced collection of 103 children’s books with a cover price value of $1,042 that will serve 55 children and members of its suburban community near Memphis, TN. Rev. Dr. Leoda Topps of Avery Chapel AME Church specifically asked for books for all ages and abilities. As Dr. Topps put it, “None of the children should be left out.”
To celebrate the Judith’s Reading Room’s 10th Anniversary, the Board of Directors allocated $5,000 to be divided amongst 10 of its “stand out” libraries. Rev. Dr. Topps is one of the 10 to receive the organization’s special commemorative award. Specifically, Judith’s Reading Room purchased 73 books for its 99th library. In 2014, Judith’s Reading…