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Fall 2024
GGAB is committed to promoting youth literacy by providing award-winning books to children in underprivileged communities, ensuring every child has access to resources that foster a love for reading.
Recently, we hosted our second annual Lavender Libros in the Sky literacy event, where young readers were inspired by Autumn Rodriguez, the newly crowned National American Miss New Mexico Jr. Preteen, and Charles Dearing, author of This Wild Earth. These community leader-led storytimes highlight our mission and create an engaging atmosphere for children to explore new stories.
See below for photos and a personal account from some of our dedicated UNM reading tutors who experienced the magic of that day firsthand!
Lavender Libros: Literacy Lovers Unite at at Balloon Fiesta!
Eli Salway
UNM Reading Tutor
History Major
On October 10th GGAB held Lavender Libros In The Sky at the International Balloon Museum during STEAM Night. The Balloon Fiesta is New Mexico's biggest event of the year, people come from all around the world just to participate. Being there with GGAB was an extraordinary experience. There were lots of cool activities including a hot air balloon virtual reality experience!
At the GGAB tables, we gave out free books to kids whose parents signed up for our newsletter. There were a lot of cool options like Peng’s Vase and Under The Blanket Sky. The kids examined each title before carefully deciding which to take home. Plus with every donation a special gift was given, those who donated could pick between a GGAB hot air balloon pin or a light-up toy. Live readings were held every thirty minutes. One of our guest readers was Autumn Rodrigues, Miss New Mexico Jr. Preteen. She was polite and graceful as she read Little Iffy Learns To Fly and afterward, she went home with a book of her own!
While we passed out books and listened to stories we could see the special shapes glow in the field across from us. We also saw the para-shooters, a drone show, and fireworks. There was lots to see and do, as a native New Mexican I can confidently say that the Balloon Fiesta never gets old and GGAB was a welcome addition to the festivities!
Lavender Libros Uniting Readers Under Balloon Fiesta Skies
Marisol Vela
UNM Reading Tutor
B.S Elementary Education
During our last Lavender Libros event in October, our GGAB team and volunteers
gave a plethora of brand-new, award-winning books to families with children and to those who had children in their lives. Held at the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, this event provided many areas for learning and curiosity for children, as there were other informational tables set up that included STEAM based activities. In addition to GGAB’s informational tables, we also had some special guest readers who joined us, including Autumn Rodriguez, newly crowned National American Miss New Mexico Jr. Preteen, and Charlie Dearing, an excellent storyteller who incorporates music and theatrics into his reading.
Hosting these special guests was amazing, as the children were very engaged and wanted to hear what would happen next in the story. Along with encouraging donations, joining our newsletter, and following us on social media, we gave away books to many other patrons in the balloon museum, many of which had grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Distributing books alongside GGAB is very rewarding, as it results in a feeling of inspiration for the community and inspiration that we will continue to encourage literacy throughout many generations while supporting obtaining an education. Overall, this event was a success, as we were able to reach a multitude of people and families while sharing GGAB’s story, mission, and values.
United, we can bridge the divide in book access.
Your investment directly supports our mission to provide quality books to children who need them the most and empower children with the tools for success.
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