Real stories from the people and communities who bring reading to life
At Reading Legacies, every story, connection, and moment of shared reading matters. We believe reading together creates lasting bonds that strengthen families and communities. Explore the impact we’re making alongside families, children, volunteers, and supporters who are part of this work.
Our Community
Stories from the people who help bring Reading Legacies to life,staff, volunteers, board members, advisors, supporters, and friends.
The people behind Reading Legacies share why reading matters to them and how it shapes their work, service, and connection to others
Click here to see Reading Legacies in the news! You can also learn more about our recent community events!
Get caught up on significant announcements about Reading Legacies and our work!
The most valuable illustration of Reading Legacies’ impact is through the stories we gather from the participants and beneficiaries.
In this section you’ll be able to read stories featuring participants and volunteers who talk about how Reading Legacies changed their lives!
We have our own stories to tell and our own histories and traditions around reading in our families.
This page showcases the “Reading Stories” of the wider community including: staff, volunteers, advisors, Board members, family, friends, and hopefully YOU!
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Insightful articles written by Betty Mohlenbrock, M.Ed. (Founder/CEO of Reading Legacies).
Betty’s experience as an educator, non-profit founder, and community leader make her voice essential when looking at the intersection of reading-aloud and family-bonding and how that has the potential to shift the paradigm in this country!
Our Participants
Stories from the children, families, and program participants who experience Reading Legacies firsthand.
These stories highlight real moments of connection, growth, and confidence that come from reading together, whether at home, in programs, or within the wider community. Each one reflects the personal impact reading can have on learning, relationships, and everyday life.
Dave's Story
Before he became an Illini basketball legend and beloved mentor, Dave Downey was a young boy whose mother read to him every night. Those moments sparked a lifelong passion for reading, learning, leadership, and connection that would impact generations to come.