There is nothing like a good book. Whether it’s a fanciful story, a mystery novel, an enlightening piece of nonfiction or a self-help publication, books can be both informative and fun.
That’s why Riley Strube of Cabot was saddened to hear that many children in Arkansas do not read well.
“I read that Arkansas has one of the lowest literacy rates in the country,” she said. “It kind of blew my mind.”
Instead of letting the statistic pass by without action, Riley decided to step up and see what she could do to help remedy the problem. That’s when the 14-year-old came up with the idea for a traveling library to promote early literacy.
“I came up with it last summer. I had a lot of time, so it was something I was able to go ahead and get started,” she said. “I go to schools, day cares and children’s homes. I read books to them.”
The Rock and Rollin’ Library features more than 300 books. Over the summer, Riley made weekly visits to loan out books and read to children, and now she plans to furnish a mobile book trailer.
Riley has read from her Rock and Rollin’ Library to kids ranging from toddlers to middle-schoolers. She has reached more than 100 children with her effort.
“It’s a huge variety,” she said.
While literacy is the main focus of the Rock and Rollin’ Library, Riley said she enjoys seeing the kids she reads to on a regular basis.
“I’m not only reading to them, but I get to know them,” she said.
Riley’s work with the Rock and Rollin’ library earned her the title of Distinguished Finalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for Arkansas.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is a nationwide program that honors young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. Two volunteers from each state are named honorees and get to travel to Washington, D.C., receive $1,000 and a silver medallion, and have a chance to be named one of 10 of America’s top youth volunteers for the year.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is conducted by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
“Prudential is proud to recognize these remarkable young people for using their energy, creativity and compassion to bring meaningful change to their communities,” Prudential chairman and CEO John Strangfeld said in a press release. “We hope their stories inspire others to consider how they can do the same.”
While Riley was a finalist and not a state honoree this year, she is still proud of her accomplishments and said she will continue to work hard in her community.
“I can keep on trying,” she said.
This isn’t Riley’s first time around with the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Four years ago, she was a state honoree for her work with the I Can! Dance program, which helps students with disabilities enjoy dance classes.
Riley still dances, and she said she hopes to get involved with I Can! Dance again in the future. She also volunteers with the Youth Corps, Boys & Girls Clubs and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Riley credits her mother, Andrea Strube, with instilling a sense of volunteerism and community in her.
“My mom loves working with the community,” Riley said. “I’ve learned a lot from her.”
Riley will be presented an engraved bronze medallion for being named a Distinguished Finalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. She also qualified for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which honors Americans of all ages who have volunteered a significant amount of time to serve their communities.