Building a Love of Reading, One Book at a Time 

Books, special guests and a lot of excitement filled Lowell Elementary School on Friday, Oct. 16, as students welcomed Page Ahead volunteers and community partners for a special reading event focused on the joy of reading and choosing a book to call their own. 

A group of volunteers from Page Ahead and PEMCO joined students in several classrooms, reading and sharing stories in small groups. Adding to the excitement was a special visit from Doppler, the Seattle Storm mascot, who brought some extra energy and fun to the celebration of reading. But perhaps the most exciting moment came when students got to choose a free book to take home and keep. 

Giving students access to books they are excited to read helps extend learning beyond the classroom and gives young readers an opportunity to build their own libraries at home. That commitment to creating strong, confident readers also connects with Superintendent Ben Shuldiner’s focus on literacy and ensuring students have the foundational skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. 

Events like this make literacy feel like a celebration. They bring schools, families and community partners together around a simple but powerful idea: when students have access to books and opportunities to read, we help open the door to curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.