From One Book to a Movement: How Reading Opens Your World Was Born

Written by Lauren Markovich, Founder and Executive Director of Reading Opens Your World

It started with a book sitting on my kitchen counter.

Kim, an artist, was over helping me with some living room design ideas. She spotted Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, picked it up, and said, “Oh, I loved that book.” That led to one of those great, unexpected conversations, laughing about Elizabeth Zott’s no-nonsense attitude, her wild journey through science and TV cooking, and the genius dog, Six-Thirty. 

We joked about how reading a book like that makes you want to do something big, something a little bold, a little unexpected. 

That’s when I mentioned this idea I’d had for a while, starting something that would get kids excited about reading, because there’s nothing like getting pulled into a great story.  Kim said, “You need to meet my friend Lisa. She’s just as passionate about reading as you are.”

So I did. Lisa and I met, and we clicked. In very short order, we were putting together the first year of what would become Reading Opens Your World, starting at Lewis & Clark Elementary. What began as a small idea between a few people quickly turned into something bigger and something we’re really proud of.

It’s kind of amazing, looking back. A conversation about a book led to a program that’s now connecting kids with volunteers, helping them discover the joy of reading, and giving something valuable back to our community.

All from a book on the counter. What book is sitting on your counter and where could it lead you?