Join us in sharing inspiring stories, honoring literacy champions, and raising essential funds to help families enjoy reading together every day so all children reach their full potential!

Keynote Speaker Merritt Long is a long-time philanthropist and education advocate in Thurston County. Author of My View from the Back of the Bus, Merritt shares his experience with segregation and racism, and how his journey led him to become a widely admired community leader, a loving husband and father, and a mentor and benefactor to the next generation of young people who struggle to overcome economic hardship and the still-present barriers of entrenched, systemic racism.

This is a free event. An invitation to invest in our mission and support children's literacy will be made during the program. 

When: Thursday, May 5th | 7:00-8:30 a.m.

Where: Lacey Community Center | 6729 Pacific Ave SE

Questions? read2me@nthurston.k12.wa.us

Presenting sponsor:

Venue Sponsor: 

Literacy Lover Sponsor:

Reader Leader Sponsors: Port Blakely | Fisher Jones Family Dentistry |

Nova Middle School

Book Believer Sponsors: Nicholson & Associates Insurance