More than 50 years ago, volunteer doctors and librarians with a vision of families reading and succeeding together started “Friends of Reading is Fundamental of Austin.” Now known as BookSpring, the nonprofit is the leading Central Texas organization focused on developing literacy skills and the motivation to read through increasing home libraries and reading aloud activities for children. Building early literacy in children and families through healthcare, education, and the community, BookSpring partners with medical clinics, schools, and other nonprofits to maximize impact. In the last 12 months, the nonprofit has served 113,148 children and distributed 224,629 books.

Recognizing how Atmos Energy values literacy and provides resources to educational entities, BookSpring contacted Public Affairs Manager Leticia Saenz, and a partnership was formed in 2022.

“What stood out to me is how BookSpring will help anyone in need, no matter the level of that person’s income,” explains Leticia. “Plus, their services are free, and they provide access to books children can keep.” Leticia recalls a book giveaway event that made quite a difference for one little boy. “He kept asking if he was really allowed to keep the book and take it home. He was so excited! Moments like that are why I volunteer.”

One way Atmos Energy shows support is by volunteering at and sponsoring the annual BookSpring Fest – a free, outdoor festival in May that celebrates literacy with special guest read-alouds, snacks, kidfriendly activities, and book giveaways. This year, more than 1,200 attendees received more than 1,300 free books. Children and families experienced the magic of storytelling together, as approximately 30 special guests read throughout the day. Gus the Gopher and Leticia served as special guest readers alongside local librarians, comedians, Princess Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Spider Man from Marvel Comics, and Dr. Nicole Cross (anchor and national mental health correspondent for Spectrum News).

“This year, I read Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales, a book with both English and Spanish text,” said Leticia. “I also tried to teach kids about natural gas, asking if they took hot showers at home or saw a blue flame appear above the stove when it was turned on. And Gus the Gopher was a crowd pleaser as usual, providing me a chance to discuss safe digging practices.”

Along with volunteering at BookSpring Fest, Atmos Energy has financed a year’s worth of books and literacy resources for more than 600 children.

“Atmos Energy’s generous support has made a meaningful, lasting difference in the lives of the children and families we serve,” said Bianca Paz-Cisneros, director of development and public affairs at BookSpring. “Their financial contributions and volunteer efforts have helped us get thousands of books into homes and inspired countless shared reading moments. We are so grateful for their unwavering support in building a community of lifelong readers.”

Leticia says she appreciates how BookSpring recognizes their volunteers: “They recognize their volunteers through hand written notes, emails, and newsletters throughout the year.” Leticia is eager to continue Atmos Energy’s partnership with BookSpring and help establish a lifelong love of reading for children in the community.

To learn more about BookSpring, visit www.bookspring.org.