Spreading the Joy of Reading: A Grassroots Effort in West Virginia
In the heart of Grafton, West Virginia, a heartwarming initiative is underway, bringing stories and smiles to preschool classrooms. Devan Chopra, a high school junior, is one of the many volunteers who passionately read books to young children, spreading the love of reading through the LiTEArary Society.
Volunteers from the LiTEArary Society read and donate copies of Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes to pre-schoolers in Grafton, West Virginia.
Credit: Chris Schulz/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Chopra, who has been with the LiTEArary Society since seventh grade, conveyed her passion for reading to the children gathered in the Webster Pre School. “I’m here because I really want to spread the love of reading,” she expressed, holding up the book Pete the Cat, a favorite among young readers.
The LiTEArary Society, founded in West Virginia, is an international organization that brings new picture books to preschool children. It aims to cultivate a love of reading, especially in regions where books are not easily accessible, such as Appalachia.
The Impact of New Faces
Nate Sorrel, a teacher at the Webster Head Start, highlighted the importance of volunteer visits, noting that the presence of new faces helps young learners engage more deeply. “The kids, when they see somebody else, they get so excited,” Sorrel explained. “It’s really good for our program.”
Volunteers like Chopra not only read to the children but also provide them with books to take home, fostering literacy and language development. Sorrel added, “When they were reading Pete the Cat, and their faces just lit up, it’s really exciting, because they might not have this at home.”
Volunteers from the LiTEArary Society read and donate copies of “Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes” to pre-schoolers in Grafton, West Virginia.
Credit: Chris Schulz/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Building a Foundation for Literacy
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading with young children significantly enhances relationships with caregivers and supports early brain development, laying a foundation for educational success.
Rania Zuri established the LiTEArary Society in Morgantown about five years ago, inspired by the concept of “book deserts.” She aimed to address the lack of access to books in certain areas. “I was so sad to learn in middle school that so many children don’t have that privilege of having a parent or caregiver read to them or have books at home,” Zuri said.
Since its inception, the nonprofit has grown to include thousands of volunteers and has donated over $1,000,000 worth of picture books to more than 91,000 preschool children. The organization encourages involvement from middle schoolers, with Chopra noting, “You can make a difference if you’re a child. To that, I say, look at the LiTEArary Society, because we’re entirely youth led.”
The LiTEArary Society now has high school chapters in all 50 states and is expanding internationally. Local children as young as 12 are invited to join and contribute to this impactful movement.
To share your volunteer story or nominate someone, fill out this form.
