Our Liftoff for Literacy Campaign continues!

Since WordPlay Connects began in 2022, we’ve gifted more than 21,000 new books to young readers in Hardy, Hampshire, Grant, Mineral, and Pendleton counties—at no cost to schools, students, or families.

Putting books in kids’ hands, hearts, and homes has never been more important. Many families in rural areas like ours have limited access to books. Fewer children are reading for fun, and students' scores for reading proficiency continue to decline.

With your support, we can continue to spark excitement around reading, writing, and creative possibility throughout our region—and the positive impact will spread to kids’ families, their communities, and beyond.

At the start of this school year, we launched a very busy season of school programs and community events. In just nine days, we hosted four award-winning authors and illustrators at eight school visits—and put more than 2,000 free books in kids’ hands!

Our work continues in the weeks to come. More than 300 students will meet musician and author Raj Haldar and receive free signed copies of his newest book, What Rhymes with Pterodactyl. We’ll have tables full of free books at four upcoming community events—where hundreds of local kids will pick their favorite titles to take home and keep.

Please help us continue our liftoff for literacy by donating today. We're so grateful for your support!

Marlene England and the WordPlay Connects Board of Directors

Allison Gurnitz - Chair, Tom England, Kayla Fehr, Ben Gitterman, Janine Jensen, Sharon Page, Jess Rinker, Sue Ryan, Chad Sandhas

P.S. Be sure to follow @WordPlayConnects on Instagram and Facebook to stay "in the know" about upcoming school programs and community events. Please share with others who might be interested, and feel free to email info@wordplayconnects.org with any questions or suggestions.

Liftoff For Literacy with WordPlay Connects!

Through school programs and community events, we put free books in young West Virginians’ hands, hearts, and homes, connecting kids with authors, illustrators, and new ways of seeing the world.