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Mission 

Madison Reading Project connects our community with free books and literacy resources that ignite a love for reading and affirm and reflect the diversity of young readers.​​

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Access

A commitment to ensuring that all children, parents, caregivers, and educators have the opportunity to benefit from MRP’s services, resources, and support.

 

Innovation

Embracing creative solutions and new approaches to maximize impact and better serve communities.

 

Collaboration

Working together with partners, communities, and stakeholders to amplify impact and achieve shared goals.

 

Joy

Fostering a positive, uplifting environment that inspires hope, resilience, and fulfillment in both service and impact.

 

Trust

Building honest, reliable relationships that ensure transparency, accountability, and confidence among supporters and those we serve.

 

Curiosity

Embracing a culture of listening, learning, and exploration to drive continuous improvement

 

History

In 2013, Madison Reading Project was started by founder and Executive Director, Rowan Childs.  On a search for reading resources, Childs discovered the alarming statistics associated with literacy rates and book ownership of families experiencing poverty.  With a $1,000 seed donation, we served our first 30 children at the Salvation Army of Dane County's after school program.  

 

Over time, we've grown to serve thousands of families, schools and community organizations by providing free books, and offering fun and engaging literacy programs to children and educators. ​​