Shining a Light on Literacy: Meet Supporter Barbara Boustead

connect30165
Jul 2
4 min read

Updated: Jul 7

Meet the wonderful Barbara Boustead- a wonderful human who has been supporting the Madison Reading Project since our launch party in 2015! Dive into her story, her passion, and why supporting our literacy organization matters in today's blog.

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

“I was very impressed with what Rowan was doing with Madison Reading Project. I got excited at the initial launch party at Bunky’s Cafe in 2015 and was fired up to be a part of it. That’s how it all started.”

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

“I really liked reading about Clara Barton, who was a self-taught nurse and started the American Red Cross. It was cool to learn about helping people. I also liked some mysteries back in the day, such as Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Once I had my library card, it felt like my ticket to freedom. I could go there and look at National Geographic, atlases, and books about other countries. There was a lot of chaos in my household growing up, so reading became my escape.. The things I would see and the people I would meet in my books made reading fun.”

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

“I really appreciate that Madison Reading Project is showing the importance of literacy to a population in a way that no one else does. I remember the bookmobiles coming around back in the day, but the Madison Big Red Reading Buses take this idea to a whole new level - it’s a fun way to meet people right where they are. I love going to the library, and even though library cards are free, some parents are too busy or do not have the ability to get their kids there all the time. What Madison Reading Project does is precious and priceless. You all are able to get books in the hands of children that they are excited about - that just brings a smile to my face.”

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

“Anything that is connected to children and families is what I resonate with the most - I really am all about literacy, particularly for kids who have not had access to the same programs and opportunities as others. I loved school, but not every kid does. Being able to support efforts for every kid in Dane County and the surrounding area to have access to books really matters and resonates with me. I want to support these efforts with my time and monetary resources as much as possible-and encourage others to do so as well.”

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

“I have a finite amount of time left. I’m hoping to live another 20 years and that’s great, but it is still limited. I’m intentional about the time, money, and energy I put into programs that will benefit people not just today, but for the long term. I want reading and literacy to be my legacy. My church is important to me, as is working with kids to improve literacy rates. Seeing Madison Reading Project get out into the community and getting books in the hands of children, educators, and caregivers is so important - I know they really appreciate it.”

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

“I hope the organization continues to grow and flourish in the years to come. I also hope you can become a model for other communities that do not have the resources. I would love to see MRP become a self-sustaining organization with donors who give on a regular basis. I don’t want you all to have to worry about fundraising to keep programs running. This will allow staff to continue being creative without any constraints. I want to continue to support the wonderful and dedicated people involved in the Madison Reading Project - I’d like for this to be part of my legacy.”

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

I want to see you all continue to grow. You have two buses now, but maybe one day, there will be a third! I love the space you all have, but maybe there can be another satellite space that is in a rural area. Going further outside the Dane County community would be incredible to see. Expanding what you all do so well already to make services available and accessible to even more kids, families, and educators would be incredible.”

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

“I want everyone to know that the staff of Madison Reading Project is highly motivated to do the work that you do - you all are passionate and caring individuals who provide such a great variety of books at no cost to the community. Watching a kid learn to read and enjoy a book, whether it is a picture book, early reader book, or a chapter book, is so important. Watching a parent read to a child or seeing a child pick a book to keep forever is priceless. If you can give money, that is great, but you can also volunteer your talents to contribute to this mission. It is easy and quick to find a way to get involved with the Madison Reading Project - I just love what you all do!”

It's because of people like Barbara 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 our donation page here.