Supporter Spotlight Interview: Jennifer Zschernitz

Meet Jennifer Zschernitz, a true book hero! Dive into their story, passion, and why giving books matters in today's post.

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

I found out about the organization from another member in my women’s group who volunteered with Madison Reading Project back in 2020. I ended up researching Madison Reading Project myself and found ways to get involved as a volunteer. I’ve been building upon my involvement ever since.

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

My favorite book growing up was Miss Twiggley's Tree by Dorthea Warren Fox. I also remember having a library card. I don’t remember my mom or dad reading to me though, but I loved books so I must have generated that on my own. When I was in middle school, I worked in the media center. In high school, I worked at the Public Library and my daughter followed in my footsteps when she started working at the Monona Public Library for her first job. I started reading to her on the first day she came home from the hospital. Books are just so fun! That’s how you learn about other things.

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

The whole literacy thing! It’s so crucial for kids to have access to owning their own books. Instilling excitement in the hearts of children and their parents as well is so great to see. The partnership with St. Mary’s and Merriter hospitals (Baby’s First Pages) provides families with such an incredible jumpstart.

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

I just like the whole organization. The staff is always so jovial when I volunteer, so I’m always willing to come back. I also wanted to spend my retirement doing something good with my time, so I started volunteering with Madison Reading Project, as well as PBS and my women’s group.

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

You can’t love books and not want to give books too. I inherited some funds recently, and I knew Madison Reading Project would benefit from a donation. I just really enjoy what Madison Reading Project does, and I see books as really important things for kids.

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

I just hope to see more books distributed to members of the community. I want to see more and more families being reached through programs like Baby’s First Pages and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Madison Reading Project helps kids receive books when they are born and they keep receiving even more books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. More and more families are starting to know about these programs. I wasn’t aware that Dolly Parton’s program wasn’t available everywhere in the country, so Dane County is very lucky to have it. I hope to see that initiative spread even more throughout the nation.

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 more opportunities for the organization to give away books to even more kids and families. It takes time, staff, and volunteers to be able to expand these programs, but I’m very excited to continue helping out. Just keep doing what you’re doing and keep expanding on that.

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

There are so many ways to get involved with Madison Reading Project. I always make sure my friends and family know how to support the organization, whether it’d be donating books or funds online. For my birthday last year, I actually asked my friends to bring a children’s book to my house to donate. As Madison Reading Project continues to grow and serve more kids, they’ll need even more support.

It's because of people like Jennifer 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.