Gathering New Books for Kids this Holiday Season as Madison Reading Project Launches Annual Community Book Drive

DANE COUNTY – For the sixth year in a row, Madison Reading Project is launching its annual Community Book Drive, promising to fill the homes of area children with new books this holiday season. 

The goal: Raise $50,000 and acquire 2,000 brand new books before winter break for our year-end giving events and literacy programming in 2026.

Madison Reading Project staff and volunteers will place book collection bins at public locations such as shopping malls, and have 35 different community organizations, bookstores, corporate groups, and sponsors already hosting individual new book drives to help reach the goal. Anyone can sign up to run a Peers for Pages fundraiser or bookraiser, shop our online book wishlist, or participate at local bookstores.

Financial donations can be made online by clicking on our website’s Community Book Drive tab or by mailing us a physical check.

“We believe it is important for children to have access to new books that reflect their unique identities as well as open their eyes to others’ lived experiences,” says Rowan Childs, co-executive director/founder. “By supporting our Community Book Drive, you will help get thousands of new, high-quality books to kids, many of whom have few books in their homes.”

Madison Reading Project is again partnering with the Empty Stocking Club, Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR), the Monona and Waunakee public libraries, and other community programs to expand its reach. 

“We’re confident we will reach our donation goals with the community’s help,” Childs adds. “Everyone deserves that new book feeling, especially children. Books in the home are so  important to a child’s development.”

Anyone can help by donating funds or by buying books from local bookstores, such as Lake City Books, Mystery To Me, Books 4 School, Ink & Ivy, Garden Wall Bookshop, Ink Cap Books, and A Room of One’s Own. The booklists make it easy to select a new book at any price point. 

Visit madisonreadingproject.com to get involved. A business, club, friend group, or neighborhood can also organize an in-person book-raiser. 

“We want to encourage the amazing people in our community to not only help us collect books bought locally, but also support local businesses when they visit our bins,” says Deirdre Steinmetz, co-executive director. “To make it convenient, you can purchase from our wishlist via our website or through local bookstores.”

“Together, we’ll get new books that children and families want,” Steinmetz adds. “Everyone deserves to experience the new book feeling, especially our community’s youngest readers.” 

Books may be donated online or at several of our bookseller partners across Dane County or at our Book Center, 1337 Greenway Cross, in Madison. Donations of brand-new books for children ages 0-18 are cheerfully accepted through the end of the year.

Visit Madison Reading Project’s website for more on the book drive, book suggestions, book-giving programs, or to make a monetary contribution:  madisonreadingproject.com/communitybookdrive

Madison Reading Project’s book drive works with the Wisconsin State Journal’s annual Empty Stocking Club holiday toy distribution event. Open to all families regardless of financial situation, every child receives a new book and a brand-new, high-quality toy at the giving event. 

The drive ends Dec.10 to ensure books get to kids on time before schools close. The fundraiser is open until the end of the year. 

Madison Reading Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect the community with free books and literacy enrichment programs that ignite a love for reading. 

Madison Reading Project Named A Statewide Innovator of the Year

MADISON – Madison Reading Project, one of more than several dozen statewide businesses nominated this year for Wisconsin Technology Council’s Innovator of the Year Award, won first place in the Nonprofits category at an award celebration on November 4.

Held at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, the Council honored Madison Reading Project as one of six winners among 27 finalists from throughout Wisconsin.

 “Judges said our ADA-compliant/wheelchair lift-equipped Big Red Reading Bus, which allows access to all as we deliver free books and literacy programs to area children, was quite the innovation,” says Rowan Childs, founder and co-executive director. “We are thrilled to win this prestigious award. It confirms that our mission of connecting our community with diverse books and literacy resources to ignite a love of reading is truly valuable.”

Madison Reading Project’s literacy programs provide more than 130,000 free books every year to children, educators, community organizations, neighborhood centers, and social services agencies throughout Dane County and beyond.

The Council recognizes the state’s most creative, original products and services, selected by a statewide panel of judges with expertise in technology, healthcare, agriculture, education, and government operations. 

Madison Reading Project will soon launch its annual Community Book Drive campaign to collect new and gently used books to be given away this winter. Info at: madisonreadingproject.com/communitybookdrive

Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 20134 Madison Reading Project delivers, at no charge, high quality culturally and linguistically diverse literacy enrichment programs and brand-new books to children in an ongoing commitment to reversing low literacy rates, closing opportunity gaps, building family libraries, and inspiring literacy delight! 

MMSD Schools Among Top-Ranked in Wisconsin, Per U.S. News & World Report

MADISON, Wis.—Several Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) schools have again been recognized as some of the highest-performing in Wisconsin, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for elementary, middle and high schools.

“Our students and staff put tremendous effort into learning and growing every day,” said Superintendent Joe Gothard. “These rankings highlight the results of that commitment and the exceptional learning environments our schools strive to create.”

At the elementary level, Shorewood Hills ranked seventh of 1,921 schools statewide, with a score of 99.29 out of a possible 100, while Van Hise placed 12th, with a score of 98.89. Randall (97.27) and Marquette (92.81) both also ranked in the top 5% statewide.

Among middle schools, Velma B. Hamilton earned the 12th spot of 1,456 schools, scoring 97.96. Spring Harbor (83.09) and Georgia O’Keeffe middle schools ranked in the top 10% of Wisconsin middle schools, as well.

For high schools, West earned the 28th spot among 549 eligible contenders in the state, with an overall score of 93.65.

“Strong academics are an essential part of what we do, but these rankings also speak to the sense of purpose, curiosity and care that define our classrooms,” said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “With the support of our talented staff,  our students are acquiring the skills and confidence needed to pursue their goals, shape their futures and strengthen their communities.”

Rankings for elementary and middle schools are based primarily on student proficiency in math and reading on state assessments;.high schools’ consider college readiness, state assessment proficiency and performance, performance of underserved students, curriculum breadth and graduation rates.

It is important to note that, while the rankings provide one way to view school performance, they are not the only measure of a school’s quality or the learning experience it provides. They are based on selected criteria and available data each year, and do not capture every aspect of teaching, student culture or community strength.

U.S. News & World Report has published high school rankings since 2007 and elementary and middle school rankings since 2021.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

FITCHBURG HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR & JUBILEE RETURNS FOR 2025

The City of Fitchburg and the Fitchburg Chamber Visitor + Business Bureau are excited to announce the return of the Fitchburg Holiday Lights Tour December 12-14, 2025. The Fitchburg Holiday Lights Tour is a city-wide holiday lights spectacular event. Residences and businesses spread holiday cheer with their elaborate holiday light displays. Spectators can use the online map to tour all the participating addresses and can vote for their favorites! Businesses will also be participating in the Holiday Jubilee, hosting holiday activities and running holiday sales all weekend long. 

The weekend kicks off with Get Festive at Agora on December 12th from 5:00pm-8:00pm. A holiday celebration that features family friendly activities such as carriage rides, cookie decorating, fire pits & s’mores, and so much more. Bundle up and shop local vendors in the Agora Courtyard and try some craft brews and holiday eats and treats. More details can be found at Get Festive at Agora FB page. 

“So many people have reached out to share what this event means to them. They have holiday memories as a child of being piled into the station wagon with their siblings to drive around and view the holiday lights. They’re excited to be able to share this tradition with their own families. Residents enjoy decorating their homes together in the spirit of the season to bring joy to others. There are so many spectacular holiday displays throughout the city. It truly is magical!”, said Lisa Sanford, Executive Assistant at the City of Fitchburg. 

Residents and businesses that would like to participate in the Holiday Lights Tour by creating their own light display should submit their Fitchburg address via the Holiday Lights Tour Form . The deadline for submission is Sunday, December 7th. Your display will be included on the Google map of locations and the voting ballot. Encourage your neighbors to participate and be voted the “Best Street” for year-round bragging rights! 

In addition to the kickoff event, Get Festive at Agora, some additional Jubilee activities throughout the weekend include:

• Matt Winzenried Real Estate – Gift Wrapping 
• Holiday fun at Saint Charles Station 
• Delta Beer Lab – Two days of Holiday Fun 
• Live Music at the Thirsty Goat 

The City of Fitchburg will be showcasing decorated vehicles at Fire Station 1, 5791 Lacy Road, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm on Saturday, December 13th. See a fire truck, ambulance, police car and public works vehicles decorated as part of the Holiday Lights Tour. Santa will be there with special treats! 

More details about participating businesses and holiday activities will be added closer to the event. The map of the Holiday Lights Tour will be available in the afternoon on December 10th and the voting form will be available on December 12th, 2025. All of the Holiday Jubilee information, a map of the 2025 Holiday Lights Tour and links to the voting form will be online at www.visitfitchburg.com and on the Holiday Lights Tour Facebook Page. 

About The City of Fitchburg 

The City of Fitchburg is a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin, located in Dane County. With a population of approximately 30,000 residents, Fitchburg is one of the fastest growing cities in Wisconsin with a vibrant business community and was named one of the “Best Places to Live for Families” by Fortune Well Magazine in 2023. 

About The Fitchburg Chamber Visitor + Business Bureau

The Fitchburg Chamber Visitor + Business Bureau provides leadership for the advancement of our city’s economic vitality and quality of life for our businesses, residents, and visitors. To this end we provide programs and services that will expand and mature investments, job opportunities, support business networks and build tourism and community assets. 

EMMY AWARD WINS IN CHICAGO FOR FILMMAKER JASON RAJASINGHE AND RAD PRODUCTIONS USA

RAD Productions USA and filmmaker Jason Rajasinghe both won an Emmy this year at the 67th annual Chicago / Midwest Emmys in Chicago this past weekend. The awards honor outstanding achievements in regional media and broadcasting. The Chicago / Midwest Chapter is one of the largest and most senior local chapters in the country, and is chartered by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), based in New York City.

RAD Productions USA received its first Emmy win in the category of Outstanding Achievement for Commercial – Single Spot for Gamber Johnson’s Brand Film, while Jason brought home his first Directing win in the category of Outstanding Crafts Achievement for Directing for the same.

Jason Rajasinghe notes, ‘This category is meaningful to me because Directing is about trust — trust with my team, my Clients, and trusting in what God created me to do. This award is a celebration of that trust and collaboration, and I’m deeply grateful. I’m looking forward to bringing this home to WI, where it’s my mission to use these experiences to help educate the youth and grow the industry.’

RAD Productions USA states, ‘We are thrilled to bring home our first Emmy Award in recognition of our work and the team’s talent. It is an honor to represent Wisconsin and to be recognized amongst the best in the Chicago / Midwest region’.

Darrell Martin, Director of Marketing for Gamber Johnson states, ‘I had a grand vision for how I wanted to share the story of Gamber-Johnson — to showcase who we are to our customers while capturing the raw adrenaline and energy of the industries we serve. I knew that if executed correctly, this commercial would grab the attention of the masses and elevate the GJ brand to the next level. I knew they could bring my vision to life effortlessly — and here we are today, with two Emmy Awards to prove that the vision paid off.’

RAD Productions will be heading into production for a documentary series in December, anticipated for international release.

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RAD Productions USA LLC incorporated in 2022; is a creative video production agency known for its guerrilla filmmaking and prides itself on its storytelling abilities by business partners Jason & Hope Rajasinghe and Annika Senanayake.
www.radproductionsusa.com

iFilm Sri Lanka is Rajasinghe and Senanayake’s Sri Lankan creative production entity synonymous for its storytelling. www.ifilmsrilanka.com