Recently, I sat down and spoke with Linda Mitchell, OFPL Library Board Vice-President and founder of the Metro East Literacy Project. This interview was spurred by her YouTube short documentary, Defeating the Literacy Culture Beast: The Book Lady’s Mission Unveiled. Here is what Linda shared about her program:

Q: What made you want to be a part of the OFPL Library Board, and how has serving on the board helped your mission of spreading literacy?

A: I have been on the OFPL Library Board for three years. I find libraries to be a comforting and adventurous places. I grew up going to the library, and it is natural for me to want to be of service to my local library. Part of my mission statement is “promoting libraries in the fight for literacy.” In this way, I become a library ambassador. When I deliver books I often ask, “Do you have a library card?” I am always advocating for the growth of libraries.

Q: When did you start MELP?

A: In 2012 I began the Metro East Literacy Project. I was working for St. Louis Public Schools with their Parents as Teachers program. I went on over 1,000 home visits and realized how important the students home environment is to learning. I was on the front lines advocating for children and teaching parents to model the importance of reading. This was very eye opening for me, I realized this fight for literacy started at home.

Q: How did the idea of being a part of a mini documentary come about?

A: A group of documentary filmmakers contacted me after seeing information on MELP. The story of the literacy project caught their attention. Once I agreed to be a part of the project, we set a date for filming to begin. They followed me for 3 days, while I delivered books and tutored children.

Q: In the documentary you spoke of your Grandmother who never had the opportunity to learn to read. How were your parents able to change their family tree by making reading a priority?

A: My grandmother did not read and my mother had to help her while she was growing up. Because of this, my Grandmother stressed the importance of education and reading to my mother. Thankfully, both of my parents were educated and created a home for my siblings and I that promoted education and reading. We always had a library card along with access to books, magazines, and encyclopedias at home. Books were given as gifts for Christmas, and we always saw our parents reading.

Q: What is the message you would like to send about literacy?

A: There is power in story. Reading is empowering. I am a mouthpiece for the power of story. It is my life’s work to get that message out. Literacy can change your path.

Q: Describe a typical day of working at your non-profit?

A: There is no typical day! I may start out in my home office, then head out to my book storage to gather deliveries. Or I might have an event to speak at or tutoring appointments with students. No day looks the same.

Q: What communities do you currently serve with our program?

A: O’Fallon, Belleville, Granite City, Edwardsville, Dupo, East St. Louis. Basically, wherever there is a need. I am here to serve the underserved.

Q: What kind of help does your organization need the most?

Financial help. We rely on grants to keep us afloat. Volunteers to help with book organization, home visits, office work, and to assist at events.

Thanks to Linda for sharing her mission with me and our library audience. She is very inspiring and has definitely earned the nickname, Book Lady!

When Linda makes a book delivery she always brings 25 books. 15 books for kids, 1 cookbook, 1 coffee table book, and 8 adult books. Here are a few of Linda’s favorite books: