Mesa, AZ – Kids Need to Read (KNTR) will be arriving at the Page Public Library with Grow Your Library, an inspiring library donation program led by KNTR Board Members Gary and Tina Mlodzik. Inspired by the Mlodzik’s shared love of reading, family and public libraries, this program delivers free books and story time to community libraries and children during the couple’s travels. 

“The (Page Public) Library has a collection of books that are well worn and outdated NF (nonfiction) books that need to be replaced with newer versions,” Page Public Library Manager Debbie Winlock said.

At KNTR, we believe that having new and exciting books readily available for children to choose from encourages reading. To entice children and young adults to come to the library, KNTR is providing 900 new books to the Page Public Library, including many wonderful nonfiction books. The cover value of these new books is $12,900. 

As part of the Grow Your Library event and in addition to the large book donation from KNTR, Phoenix based Libraries Ltd. will provide the Page Public Library with a wonderful collection of books for young adults and children funded by a generous $1,000 grant. Libraries Ltd. promotes literacy in Arizona children and teens by providing books to libraries, schools and other organizations. The small nonprofit was founded by Judy Goddard, former first lady of Arizona. 

As a retired elementary school librarian, Tina Mlodzik stresses the importance of supporting public libraries, especially in communities where children may not own their own books. 

“Giving children access to a large quantity and varied selection of books has many benefits,” Tina said. “The more books a child sees, the more motivated they are to read. Borrowing books from the library teaches sharing and builds respect for things that belong to others.”

On Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. Grow Your Library will hold a special story time event at the Page Public Library (479 S. Lake Powell Boulevard). Each child in attendance at story time will receive a free book and a Highlights magazine courtesy of KNTR. After the event, each child will have the opportunity to donate a book in their name on behalf of KNTR. This no-cost opportunity teaches the children to use their own love of reading to help the Page Public Library earn even more free books in the future. 

“I developed the Grow Your Library program to introduce a giving culture in the youth we meet at literacy events,” Gary Mlodzik said. “Putting a book in the hands of a child and allowing them to expand their horizons is magical. Allowing that child to make a small effort in order to share that magic for future generations is a priceless lesson. It is my hope that the children will be proud of the book donations made in their name and tell their friends, thereby further encouraging both literacy and philanthropy.” 

When asked about the motive behind the project, Kids Need to Read Executive Director Jessica Payne said, “A library is the heart of any community. Kids Need to Read’s Grow Your Library program not only invests in these indispensable bastions of literary treasure, it also encourages and connects the communities served by each library in order to inspire support for future generations. Children who participate in this program learn that they too can make a difference." 

This will be the 50th community served by Grow Your Library since its inception in 2015. The other Arizona cities previously provided Grow Your Library grants include Huachuca City, Holbrook, Globe, Kearney, Parker, Show Low and Bisbee. KNTR has now provided Grow Your Library grants in 28 states. 

About Kids Need to Read 

Founded with a passion to improve the lives of disadvantaged children by providing inspiring book collections and engaging literacy programs to underfunded schools, libraries and organizations across the nation, Kids Need to Read aspires to empower and embolden every last child through a culture of reading. For many of the children it serves, Kids Need to Read represents a crucial link to a strong literacy education, and its programs help build and nurture support systems for the development of literate minds. By immersing children in an integrated world of literary experiences that teaches them, firsthand, the impact of reading on every aspect of life, imagination is ignited, and confidence is built for a prosperous future, regardless of race, economic status or personal capabilities.