Road to Reading

How it Started

We started Road to Reading in February 2011 when after visiting Benjamine Spencer during the time he was bench warranted to the Dallas County Jail we noticed there were a lot of kids visiting, some with really long waiting times. After some research into reading – which is the building block of all future educational endeavors – we found that a lot of the ability to read came down to access to books. Most of the kids visiting a relative in jail are from lower income families who do not have a lot of reading opportunities with age appropriate books at home. When one has to choose between food or buying a book the choice is clear.

What we do

One Saturday a month we load up our car with boxes of children’s books that have been generously donated from Half Price Books and individuals and head down to the Dallas County Jail. We set up a table outside in the courtyard where we are sure to catch visitors to all towers of the jail. Kids are allowed to pick one book to take home with them to start or add to their personal library after visitation. While they are waiting in line we have volunteers read to them or they can borrow a book to read on their own and return when they get closer to the front of the line. Kids can also come color a bookmark to take with them while their parents watch from the line. We give out an average of over 200 books each time we visit the jail. To date over 1,600 books have found their way into the hands of at risk kids.

How You Can Help

Volunteer- we are always looking for help with sorting books and help with our Saturdays at the jail.

Hold a book drive – we are looking for more new or gently used children’s books! A book drive is a great way to get your community involved in helping kids read and change their lives.

Clean out your bookshelf- Our kids have been generous in giving up books they have outgrown. If you have any children’s books you are willing to part with we can put them to good use!

Donate- While most of our books are donated we have a need for children’s books in Spanish and often have to purchase these. A few dollars can buy a book and give a child access to print.