Spring into Reading: A Season of Family Learning

This spring, our Family READS program blossomed with new partnerships and meaningful connections. Our flagship program for family literacy, Family READS meets weekly for seven weeks, providing family learning time together, separate English language instruction for adults and book-based activities for children, and a community meal.

At Christiansburg Elementary School, 12 families came together each week to build literacy skills and share the joy of reading. Literacy NRV lead instructor Jill Wheeler and our experienced volunteers worked in partnership with CES's Sara Carter and her team to host a hugely success program at a brand new location!

At the Blacksburg Public Library, 11 more families joined us for stories, dinner, and hands-on activities that sparked conversation and learning at home. We're grateful to the library's long-time support under library director Laura Dobbins, providing space, books, and children's activities for our families.

Guided by Literacy NRV's Family Literacy Program Coordinator Anne Abbott, each session helped parents grow as their child’s first teacher while creating warm, welcoming spaces for families to learn together. We’re so proud of our participants—and grateful to our partners—for making this season of growth possible!

All families received beautiful gift bags from Open Book NRV's Penny Livesay with all kinds of goodies customized to the child's specific interests!

Overall, the Spring 2025 Family READS program served 36 adults and 59 children - supported by 33 volunteers. 100% of attendees reported achieving "one or more goals" and indicated their intent to continue learning and improving their English.

If you're interested in supporting or volunteering for Family READS, contact Anne Abbott at aabbott@lvnrv.org for more information.