Celebrating Literacy: Altrusa Tucson’s Love of Reading Month Activities
February is Love of Reading Month in Tucson, and Altrusa members have been busy spreading the joy of books across our community. From reading to students to supporting local and national literacy initiatives, our members are making a meaningful impact.
Bringing Stories to Life in the Classroom
Altrusans have been invited to read beloved books to students at Tully Elementary and Bonillas Elementary, sharing the magic of storytelling with young readers. After each reading session, students draw characters from the books, bringing the stories to life through their artwork. The best of the posters will be on display with the illustrator’s name clearly displayed. The bulletin boards and posters welcome presenters as well as the public to the classrooms where free sessions with authors and illustrators are taking place.
This artwork is part of our ongoing Tucson Festival of Books Author Poster Project. Students across Tucson are encouraged to read books by authors who will be presenting at the festival on March 15-16 and create illustrations inspired by the stories. Their posters will be displayed on bulletin boards at the University of Arizona Education Building during the festival, celebrating both reading and creative expression. Schools participating in the project include Magee Middle School, Mission Manor 5th graders, and 1st graders from White, Tully, Malldonado Elementary, Wheeler, and Bonillas, along with students from Holaway, Lynn-Urquides, and others. Before the festival, Altrusans will set up the displays, ensuring that the students’ work is showcased.
Supporting Literacy Beyond the Classroom
In addition to our school reading programs, Altrusans are hard at work preparing for the upcoming Friends of the Pima County Public Library Book Sale on Feb. 8-9 and 14-17. Members like Elaine Wilder and others are sorting and preparing books, particularly for children and teen sections, including graphic novels. Since February also marks Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and Arizona’s birthday, special displays will highlight books related to these themes.
After the sale ends, Altrusans who stock Little Free Libraries around town will be able to collect unsold books to continue promoting literacy throughout the community. Nonprofits and individuals who manage free libraries can also register to receive leftover books.
Young Authors Contest Judging Underway
We are also deeply engaged in judging for the Young Authors Contest. With over 120 submissions of stories and poems, our members are carefully reviewing entries to select 20 winners. Once judging is complete, winners will be contacted by phone, and teachers will also be notified. Altrusans will then prepare the selected entries for printing by AZ Litho, ensuring that each young author’s work is published in the official contest anthology.
February Service Project: Read Between the Bars
This month’s Altrusa service donation is focused on Read Between the Bars, a nonprofit that provides books to incarcerated individuals. Altrusans are contributing much-needed books, particularly drawing books and thesauruses, which are in high demand.
A Month Filled with Literacy and Community Impact
From classroom storytelling and book sales to supporting aspiring young writers and making books accessible to those in need, Altrusa Tucson is deeply committed to literacy at every level. We are grateful for our members’ dedication and for the opportunity to support these incredible initiatives.
If you’d like to be part of our mission, consider joining Altrusa Tucson or making a donation to help fund future literacy projects. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact on our community!