ABOUT US

Books Are Wings was founded in 1998 by Elizabeth M. Dennigan, her family, and a group of dedicated volunteers committed to literacy, reading, libraries, and fun. Initially, we collected small amounts of new and “gently used” books from local friends and neighbors, and then distributed them at local day care or community centers.  Soon the word spread, and the number of books delivered to the Dennigan home increased dramatically.

In 2003, Books Are Wings incorporated into a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, governed by a board of directors. In partnership with Citadel Communications, The Rhode Island Clan Library Network, and local school districts, Books Are Wings has provided nearly 500,000 free books to children throughout Rhode Island. Books Are Wings has an active Board of Directors, and dedicated group of volunteers committed to children, community service and literacy. We are proud to help children experience the joy of reading by encouraging family literacy through the giving of free books.

Through our unique book parties we, at Books Are Wings, are proud to be a part of helping children with the fundamental steps of literacy.  At our book parties we read stories and discuss literature to enhance their oral language skills. We do literacy activities that encourage writing to reinforce print concepts and awareness.  The FREE books we give to children help nurture their skills at home. Many of these events incorporate refreshments, music and face painting as a way to show children that reading is fun and motivate them to read more. By providing children with books of their own, Books Are Wings supports families, communities and educational leaders with tools needed to continue ongoing literacy efforts. In addition to encouraging individual and family literacy, we believe Book Parties are an effective way to foster community-unity, build social skills, and is a key education-initiative which strengthens Rhode Island families.

For over 10 years, Books Are Wings has been putting free books into the hands of children at unique “Book Parties” held at libraries, day care centers and other venues throughout Southeastern New England.  New and gently used books are collected and distributed to children in families of limited means who otherwise may be unable to obtain books of their own.

Monique T. Renaud
Director/President

Dorothy M. O'Gara
Vice-President

Suzanne Oppenheimer
Secretary

Members of the Board:

• Monica Dzialo
• Larry Lamothe
• Lenny Lopes
• Pam Perdue Schwieger
• Dominique Perez
• Lonnie Thomas
• Carlos Tobon
• Tory Trainer

Jocelynn White
Program Director

Sean O'Gara
Webmaster