Building Community One Story at a Time
This summer, Parkhill team members from the Lubbock office helped bring stories to life at Patterson Library through its Read, Lunch & Learn program. Free meals were also provided. By reading with children, leading themed activities, and spending time with young readers, our volunteers helped create an environment where learning, imagination, and connection could thrive. All it took to join was signing up for a library card!
The program had a remarkable reach this summer, welcoming 577 adults, 126 teens, and 897 children. Every story shared during Read, Lunch & Learn represents more than a few minutes spent with a book. Research shows that reading aloud helps build vocabulary, strengthens literacy skills, and supports children’s social and emotional development.
“I truly believe summer reading programs have such a positive impact on kids,” said Anastasia Sanders, Parkhill volunteer. “They give children the opportunity to keep learning and growing during the summer while helping them discover a love for reading that can last a lifetime.”
Combined with the encouragement of caring adult volunteers, these moments can help foster confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Programs like Patterson Library’s also help reduce summer learning loss, ensuring children return to school ready to continue growing.
Small Moments, Lasting Impact
For Parkhill volunteers, the experience was more than reading aloud. It was about building relationships, encouraging curiosity, and showing children that their community is invested in their success. In return, volunteers experienced the fulfillment that comes from giving back, strengthening community connections, and contributing to the well-being of others while enriching their own sense of purpose.
“What stood out to me most was how accessible Patterson Library made the program. Not every family can afford summer camps or paid activities, but all this program required was a library card. Families could enjoy free meals together, participate in activities, and spend quality time reading side by side.
“It wasn’t just about books — it was about creating opportunities, building confidence, strengthening family connections, and giving kids a fun, safe place to learn and belong all summer long,” Anastasia said.
Together, these moments remind us that strengthening a community doesn’t always require large-scale projects. Sometimes, it begins with something as simple and as powerful as sharing a story.
