MRP Supporter Spotlight Interview: Barbie Murawski

Meet Barbie, a true book hero! She's donated over 1,300 books to help ignite a love of reading in Madison kids. Dive into her story, passion, and why giving books matters in today's post!

1. Can you tell us about how you found out about Madison Reading Project?

   
   

“I originally found out about Madison Reading Project through a LinkedIn post when I moved here from Minnesota in 2018. I researched what the organization did and eventually how to donate once I hit the ground running with my real estate business. It is crazy to think I’ve been involved with the organization for seven years!”

2. Tell me about your experience with reading when growing up. What was your favorite book?

   
   

"Growing up, our family always had a library, but we didn’t have a lot of children’s books. We went to the library every week to check out books. I also remember going to the book fair at school, and I could choose one book to buy and bring home. My favorite book was the hardback version of Charlotte’s Web. I always loved reading, but there was something really special about having my own book in my hands. Fast forward to when I had kids, I made sure my children could have the same experience at the school book fairs, and they, too, could read at home.   

3. What do you love most about the work and mission of Madison Reading Project? 

   
   

"I love the fact that Madison Reading Project gives out diverse books to kids in the community, especially those who need it most. I remember volunteering one summer at a park with the book bus and seeing some young boys hesitating to come and select a book of their choice. I think this may have been because they feared being embarrassed or judged by their friends because of the book they chose to take home. Since then, I have committed to making sure young boys could feel seen, validated, and excited in what they decided to read. I absolutely love how Madison Reading Project offers free books on various topics to those in need!" 

4. What made you decide to give to Madison Reading Project? Is there a specific program or service we offer that you resonated with?

   
   

"I started giving because it feels so important to make sure children of all demographics and backgrounds can access books. I learned from Rowan (Madison Reading Project’s Founder & Co-Executive Director) that the nonprofit has a wide selection of books in multiple languages, some of which are bilingual. If a child can read materials in their language, whether it is English, Spanish, Hmong, or Arabic, that makes such a difference in making children confident readers. As a realtor, I’ve had clients who speak different languages, so it feels imperative to me to ensure their children feel represented in what they are reading."

5. Why do you think it is important to give your time and resources to Madison Reading Project? 

   
   

"It is important to give to Madison Reading Project because they make a real impact on Dane County. It is making a real difference to kids right here in the community. Getting books in the hands of kids every month through the mail with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is so great. It is so incredible to see children be able to receive books and keep them in a collection of their own."   

6. What do you hope to accomplish with your philanthropy and volunteerism with Madison Reading Project? 

"I encourage others to give in the same way. I’d love to see more people giving to Madison Reading Project’s cause. It’s such a crucial vision."

7. We recently celebrated our 10th anniversary! What do you hope to see from Madison Reading Project in the next 10 years and beyond? 

"I hope to see even more books given away! I’d love to see teachers be able to get books throughout the entire school year and see even more kids get books through after-school programs, daycare, or through the school district programming."

8. What would you like other donors or supporters to know about the work we do?

   
   

"I would like other donors and supporters to know how important empowering children from diverse backgrounds is. It is important for all children to see themselves represented in their reading. This fact resonated with me at the recent 10-year Celebration. We have diverse members in my family, and it is so vital to ensure they, as well as others in the world, have the opportunity to make a personal connection with what they are reading!"   

It's because of people like Barbie that we're able to support educators and kids across Dane County and beyond. If you're interested in becoming a monthly donor, head to www.secure.qgiv.com/for/madisonreadingproject.