LAS VEGAS — United Way of Southern Nevada is preparing for Nevada Reading Week by launching a community-wide book drive to support its United Readers program. The initiative aims to provide local elementary students with greater access to books while strengthening literacy skills across participating schools.
The book drive runs from February 9 through March 6. During this time, community members can donate gently used books appropriate for young readers in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Supporting literacy through mentorship
United Readers pairs K–5 students with trained mentors who meet twice each week for focused reading sessions. Each session lasts 30 minutes. As a result, students receive consistent academic support and personalized attention.
The program has delivered measurable results. In fact, 90 percent of participating students show improvement in reading comprehension and overall academic performance.
Currently, United Readers serves students at Nevada Rise Academy and Vegas Vista Academy. However, the organization hopes to expand its impact through increased community support.
“Our United Readers program was launched to ensure local students have the literacy support and mentorship they need to reach their full potential,” said Samuel Rudd, President and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. “By donating to this book drive, the community can help ensure students and schools have the resources to grow, learn and succeed.”
Where to donate books
Those wishing to contribute can drop off books at three designated locations:
United Way of Southern Nevada
5830 W. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89103
Nevada Rise Academy
2525 Emerson Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89121
Vegas Vista Academy
4660 N. Rancho Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89130
Organizers encourage donors to provide books that are clean, gently used and age appropriate. Specifically, UWSN requests no adult romance novels, religious materials, textbooks or encyclopedias. Additionally, books should not contain broken bindings, missing pages or heavy markings.
Building stronger school libraries
Beyond individual mentorship sessions, the book drive also helps participating schools grow their on-site libraries. Strong classroom libraries give students more opportunities to practice reading independently. Therefore, every donated book serves a dual purpose.
First, books support one-on-one mentoring sessions. Second, they remain in schools to help future students discover the joy of reading.
Access to books remains a key factor in literacy development. When students have books available at school and at home, they are more likely to build consistent reading habits.
Nevada Reading Week focus
Nevada Reading Week highlights the importance of literacy across the state. Consequently, United Way of Southern Nevada chose this period to amplify awareness of the United Readers program.
For more than 65 years, UWSN has worked to improve lives across Southern Nevada. The organization focuses on education, financial stability and community well-being. Literacy programs like United Readers form a core part of that mission.
Because early reading skills often predict long-term academic success, UWSN continues to invest in mentorship and educational support programs.
How to get involved
Community members can support United Readers in several ways. First, they can donate books at any of the listed locations before March 6. Second, they can visit the program website to learn more about mentorship opportunities and financial contributions.
More information about the United Readers program is available at uwsn.org/unitedreaders. Details about United Way of Southern Nevada can be found at uwsn.org.
As Nevada Reading Week approaches, United Way of Southern Nevada encourages residents to take part in the book drive. Even one donated book can help spark a child’s love of reading and strengthen the foundation for lifelong learning.
Discover more from JUSTNOWNEWS®
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.