Riders for Readers
Scroll down to learn more about our Riders for Readers program and how it got its start!
What is Riders for Readers?
The Rotary Club of South Richmond, Virginia through its’ Educational Endowment has adopted a unique community partnership of motorcyclists (Riders for Readers), public schools, the Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR) Book Bank and other not for profit organizations which enables elementary school students to establish and/or add to their personal home libraries increasing opportunities for children to read and for family members to read to children.
How it all Started
Riders for Readers, a not for profit (501 C3) organization was created by Eric Engler (former owner of Velocity Vintage Motorcycles) a Rotarian and motorcyclist. Through the help of Chesterfield County Communities in Schools in identifying at risk student populations Riders for Readers began and continues to thrive. The National Institute of Education Report of the Commission on Reading found that “The single most important activity for building knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.” Literacy is the foundation for success in all academic disciplines and an essential ingredient for effective participation in responsible citizenship and community activities.
Who Benefits?
Riders for Readers has encouraged thousands of children in RVA and surrounding counties to read. Riders for Readers holds events at local schools in which we give away books, t-shirts, healthy snacks and drinks to kids in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades allowing them to select one or two books of their choosing to become part of their home library and encouraging them to read. The combination of the motorcycles on which we arrive at the events and the motorcyclists sharing their love of reading is highly motivating to these young students. The response from the students, parents, teachers and administrators has been dramatic. By using motorcycles as a delivery method along with the CMoR Book Banks’ “Book Buggy” creates a casual atmosphere for the students. While being introduced to the idea of reading for fun students choose from hundreds of books that may spark their interest. Selections include Newberry Medal Award books as well as science fiction, mysteries hero biographies, nature and sports. Socializing with people outside of their regular classroom and family setting allows these young readers to give thoughtful and often entertaining explanations for selecting certain books.
How We’re Invovled
Riders for Readers has encouraged thousands of children in RVA and surrounding counties to read. Riders for Readers holds events at local schools in which we give away books, t-shirts, healthy snacks and drinks to kids in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades allowing them to select one or two books of their choosing to become part of their home library and encouraging them to read. The combination of the motorcycles on which we arrive at the events and the motorcyclists sharing their love of reading is highly motivating to these young students. The response from the students, parents, teachers and administrators has been dramatic. By using motorcycles as a delivery method along with the CMoR Book Banks’ “Book Buggy” creates a casual atmosphere for the students. While being introduced to the idea of reading for fun students choose from hundreds of books that may spark their interest. Selections include Newberry Medal Award books as well as science fiction, mysteries hero biographies, nature and sports. Socializing with people outside of their regular classroom and family setting allows these young readers to give thoughtful and often entertaining explanations for selecting certain books.
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