Pete the Cat, Minnie Mouse, Barbie and an array of storybook characters, all costumed volunteers from Assistance League of St. Louis, greeted families at the Urban League Back to School Expo on July 20. After the grand opening, the Books from Friends volunteers hosted a booth at the event. Aspiring young readers who visited the booth received age-appropriate books to take home, with 6,500 books being distributed during the Expo. Visitors also had a chance to meet local guest author Micheal Anderson, whose Zoey Lyndon series is a favorite with middle grade students. Ms. Anderson donated 350 autographed copies of Zoey books and personalized them for the children. 
Sue Long, co-chair of Books from Friends said, “Research shows that having access to books at an early age is key to learning to read. That’s why putting books in the hands of young children is an essential component of our program. Last year as our volunteers visited and read with children at Head Start programs, schools and other early childhood settings, we distributed nearly 19,000 books.” Sue’s co-chair Mindy Hellmich added, “We like to say, ‘We’re building home libraries - one reader at a time!’”
Urban League CEO and President Michael McMillan stopped by the Assistance League booth before the Expo grand opening to thank Books from Friends volunteers for consistently showing up to support St. Louis children and families in literacy. Assistance League of St. Louis President Sandy Thal explained, “Partnerships with other nonprofits help ensure that our investment in the community can be even more far reaching. We value our relationship with the Urban League and work hard to be a trusted community partner.”
