Sparking Young Readers Fund in Honor of Judi Kovach
The Sparking Young Readers Fund in Honor of Judi Kovach celebrates Judi’s lifelong commitment to literacy, curiosity, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to discover the joy and power of reading. The Kids’ Book Bank Supporting Fund advances activities and partnerships that directly engage youth with books, storytelling, and creative expression in neighborhoods across Greater Cleveland. this and future generations.
While access to books is foundational, meaningful engagement with stories is what truly ignites a love of reading. The Sparking Young Readers Fund expands the Kids’ Book Bank’s ability to bring books to life through experiences that connect young readers with ideas, authors, and one another.
Through this fund, the Kids’ Book Bank will collaborate with schools, libraries, community organizations, and literacy partners to provide enriching opportunities for youth – meeting them where they are.
Examples may include:
- Youth Book Clubs that foster discussion, critical thinking, and peer connection around books
- Author Visits and Storytelling Events that allow children to meet writers and illustrators and see themselves as storytellers
- Creative Writing and Illustration Workshops that encourage imagination and self-expression
- Field Trips to the Kids’ Book Bank where students can explore the warehouse, learn about book access, and select books for their home libraries
- Literacy Events and Celebrations that bring families and community partners together around the joy of reading
These experiences deepen the impact of the Kids’ Book Bank’s core mission—providing free books to children—by ensuring that books are not only accessible, but also actively celebrated and explored.
By supporting interactive, hands-on literacy experiences, the Sparking Young Readers Fund helps cultivate confident readers, creative thinkers, and lifelong learners.
It also reflects Judi’s legacy: inspiring young people to discover their voices, their stories, and the transformative possibilities found within the pages of a book.