RAE’S READS

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This year (2025) finds me with 53 years of teaching “under my belt.” I have taught all levels from pre-K “(library lady” or “book lady”–volunteer) to juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in my Advanced Writing class at the university where I have just completed 34 years. My first paying teaching job was junior high, and I spent 13 years with ages 12-13, the “difficult years.” I had some of the “funnest” experiences with this age group. When I was no longer the “young, fun teacher,” I taught in an elementary school setting before sixth graders went on to junior high, teaching language arts blocs, an assignment that was a “dream-fit” for me. After completing graduate school in my 40s, I went on to community college, then university teaching. This past fall I accepted a part-time teaching job at Apogee Gulf Coast Schools in its first year at the Alvin campus. After my Better Half died n 2022, I achieved a lifelong dream: opening a bookstore of my own, Rae’s Reads. A year later, I sold the house we had lived in for 47 years and moved into the bookstore. My goal is to circulate and repurpose books. Just as teaching is “in my blood,” so is a passion for reading, writing, libraries, and everything bookish. This blog will be open to anyone who loves books, promotes literacy and wants to “come out and play.”

September is known for being a month dedicated to literacy. Maybe it’s because it’s traditionally “back-to-school” time of the year, or maybe fall just lends itself to snuggling up with a good book and reading the hours away. In any event, September is National Literacy Month, National Library Card Sign Up Month, Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month, and Read a New Book Month.

National Literacy Month attempts to promote the power of books and reading in general and emphasizes encouraging young people in one’s life to read. It is very important to get books into the hands of kids. My two favorite ways to do this is by donating and encouraging others to donate to Reading is Fundamental, a non-profit that “puts new books into the hands of poor kids,” as a young friend expressed it. I am so impressed with RIF that I have written in my obituary that “memorials should be sent to Reading is Fundamental” and included the address.

A more recent “find” is the Dolly Parton Foundation’s Imagination Library

I recently sent my first contribution to this worthy non-profit. Look for the YouTube video on this “project.” It will make you want to donate too.

September is also National Library Card Sign Up Month

I will do my part by getting a new library card. I lost mine and have been checking out books without it, often using My Better Half’s card.

The Amdeserican Library Association promotes the power of having a library card. Not only does owning one allow you to check out books, eBooks, audiobooks, movies, etc. , but it puts technology and DIY project equipment at immediate reach. Visit your local library today and join in the celebration by securing a card or using yours in a new way.

Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month also falls in September. The best way to be kind to these individuals is to BUY their books.

Make a bargain with yourself to purchase at least one new book this month.

September is the perfect book to READ a new book after purchasing it because September is designated Read a New Book Month as well. Start one today. I am celebrating by ordering a copy of Maggie Smith’s Keep Moving and will begin devouring it as soon as it arrives.

What are YOU going to do to celebrate this Literary Month?

Reading is for everyone!

Thanks Evin

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4 responses to “”

  1. Rae Longest Avatar
    Rae Longest

    Reblogged this on Literacy and Me.

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  2. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    We used to have families meet at the public library where everyone was encouraged to apply for a library card and check out some books. It was astonishing to me to learn how many people had never been to the library.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      It has always amazed me how people think they survive WITHOUT a library card! They are soooo missing out on so many things!

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      1. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
        Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

        Not all people have positive experiences with books and education and libraries. That’s a sad thing for me to consider.

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