Would you like a side of adventure with that?
ROCKWALL, TX (March 31, 2023) In 2017, Lynn Fate, then owner of the much beloved Roma’s Books, had an idea. She knew senior adults could benefit from reading – she just needed a way to get more books directly to them. Through her inspiration, and after a parking lot conversation with Maureen Cook of Meals on Wheels, the Magic of Reading program was born!
Reading helps take readers outside their own doors – they can travel the world, meet knew people and open their minds to new experiences from the pages of a book. Reading is also known to offer education, joy and connection especially to those who are homebound. Additionally, reading has been scientifically proven to improve health by reducing stress and improving sleep and memory. Truly all these benefits are magical!
Even while Roma’s was closing in 2020 Lynn knew she had to continue the program for the Meals on Wheels recipients. As her own collection slowly faded, Lynn collaborated with the local library in 2021. Now Lynn helps coordinate the Magic of Reading program through Rockwall County’s Friends of the Library and the book alcove. Celebrating the five-year anniversary of the program in September 2022, Lynn announced that 2,655 books had been delivered; and through the support of these organizations the deliveries continue.
After completing a registration sheet of preferred genres, authors and more, Meals on Wheels delivers two books each month along with their meal. Recipients are never charged a fee, nor are they required to return books which further allows them to share with friends and family. Recently, board members for Meals on Wheels had the opportunity to deliver books to the 39 clients currently registered, in doing so experiencing for themselves how this program benefits their recipients.
The legacy of the Magic of Reading program, while begun through the inspiration of one individual, will live on and grow with the support of these organizations and community members. Donations of hardback or trade paper books can be made directly to the Meals on Wheels office at 4398 Hwy 276 in Rockwall, or you can dop off books at the library and designate them for the Magic of Reading program. Lynn is also accepting “readers” to help select books for the Meals on Wheels recipients. If you are a strong reader and open to reading a variety of genres this may be the perfect opportunity for you to be part of a living legacy! Reach out to the Friends of the Library at https://www.friendsrockwall.com/contact
By Melanie Mayfield, Blue Ribbon News contributing writer.
Magic of Reading program delivers books along with meals to local seniors added by Editor on
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