As RISD continues to build a culture of literacy, getting new books into the hands of as many students as possible is paramount.
Pop-Up Books is a local nonprofit that seeks to bring free books to students, specifically at Title 1 campuses that have large student populations without adequate access to brand new books.
This week, Richland Elementary became the first school to be the beneficiary of Pop-Up Books generosity. Every student at Richland went home with a new book.
Pop-Up Books was started “by a group of people with passion for reading and treasured memories of the book fairs of their childhood.” The nonprofit is dedicated to the memory of Dominique Bourgeois, an RISD teacher who died of cancer in 2019.
Courtney Wood is the Literacy Interventionist at Richland, and she jumped at the chance to bring new books to the campus and enjoys the power of choice students have in selecting whatever book piques their interest
“At Richland Elementary, we strive to cultivate a love for reading across our campus that will help build the foundation for our students future success. Pop-Up Books brought a free, high-quality book fair to our students, which will expand our reach and impact, allowing even more children to reach their full potential.”
Pop-Up Books provided books in multiple languages and also accommodated a blind student at Richland with a book written in Braille.
“There is truly nothing better than seeing so many kids excited about reading,” said Ryann Collier, a board member of Pop-Up Books. “We’re so thankful to the entire team at Richland for making this magical day a possibility, and for helping us put smiles on so many faces. We’re always looking for the next community event, after school program, or school to bring the pop-up fair, and we encourage educators and parents to reach out us.”
“Our hearts are overflowing with joy and thankfulness,” Principal Pharah Hogan said. “Pop-Up Books gifted every student at Richland with a brand new book of their choice. And what greater gift, than the gift of reading. Thank you for thinking of us at Richland.”
