In this inspiring episode of You Matter Nashville, we sat down with Melissa Spradlin, executive director of Book’em, a nonprofit dedicated to boosting children's literacy in Nashville since 1989. Melissa shared her journey from growing up with educator parents to finding her passion for literacy and community service. She gave us a look inside Book’em’s mission of getting books into kids' hands and fostering a love of reading through volunteers who serve as reading role models.

We also talked about the challenges nonprofits face—like limited space and funding—and how the community continues to step up through book drives, donations, and even a donated bus that now acts as a mobile library. Melissa’s vision for the future is bold: more books, more volunteers, and more impact. Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word, every effort helps inspire the next generation of readers.

Takeaway:

• Book’em has been promoting children's literacy in Nashville for over 35 years.
• Melissa’s personal story reflects a deep-rooted love for education and community impact.
• Volunteers are at the heart of their mission, reading to classrooms and inspiring young readers.
• Book donations come from everywhere—individuals, schools, businesses, and even big publishers.
• Their mobile book bus is a creative way to bring books directly to the community!
• Fundraising and space constraints are big challenges, but the passion for literacy keeps them moving forward.
• Book’em’s annual fundraiser breakfast is coming up in September—an easy, inspiring way to get involved.
• Donating books or money (even small amounts) makes a huge difference—just $2.50 can provide a book!
• Volunteers can also help by sorting books or delivering them to schools.

Book'em
https://bookem-kids.org/

You Matter Nashville YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@YouMatterNashville

The Hoover Team
https://www.thehooverteam.com/