For several years, Success Won’t Wait has supported the Phoenixville Read-Aloud Program. In fact, our total number of books donated to the program now surpasses 2,400 books!

But, where do all of those books actually go?

One program sponsored by Phoenixville Read-Aloud is My First Library. Mini libraries are set up in places that children in need frequent. There is no library card required, no late fees, and no set time to return the books. Children are encouraged to simply read, enjoy and return, so others may do the same!

Pictured is one My First Library location at Orion Communities. Orion Communities is committed to engendering hope, dignity, and self-reliance for those experiencing poverty, disability, or illness. Its mission is to help residents of the Greater Phoenixville Area whose needs are not met by other resources.

From its origins, primarily working with people with disabilities, Orion is now serving all who need support, especially: single parent families, the unemployed, the homeless, those with mental illness, and those in crisis. Orion makes a special effort to reach out to those who “fall between the cracks,” or those who are seen as too vulnerable, too dysfunctional to be successfully assisted.

The My First Library location at Orion serves a crucial need in this, and other Phoenixville communities. “Research has shown that simply giving children books may be as effective as summer school – and a lot cheaper. Over the last 20 years…low-income students simply have less access to print. In some cases, even walking to the public library may be too dangerous,” explained Greg Toppo in a recent USA TODAY article.

The Phoenixville Read-Aloud is the brainchild of Larry Jilk and was designed to reach at-risk pre-K children, while providing literary-rich environments at participating centers throughout the Phoenixville area.

To learn more about the Phoenixville literacy project, or to donate books, please contact Larry Jilk @ Loki987@aol.com

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used books in Delaware, or volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab to learn more.

Read now, because success won’t wait!