Easier Access to Children’s Books in Our Community
Kids Read Salt Lake started their library initiatives in the Salt Lake Valley to address the rising need for better access to reading materials for grade school children, especially those in need of a place to get books after school and on weekends. Many parents can’t take their children to traditional libraries due to heavy work schedules and distance so a neighborhood library where they can visit together any day or time is a perfect solution.
How We Do It
Our Read and Succeed libraries are placed throughout neighborhoods and filled with a variety of age appropriate books for grade school children to access. We screen and stamp all of our books to make sure that they are up to our quality of standards. We take pride in the system we have created that ensures safe reading for our children.
Meet the Team
Lynda Brown
President
Kids Read Foundation
As the 2021 Utah Governor’s Career Humanitarian Leadership Award recipient and Lynda has always been active in charity work. She was President of the Utah Congressional Award and founded the KidsEat! program. She is Advisor to the Murray Children’s Pantry, has earned numerous awards for community service including Murray City Resident Service Award and the National Dependable Leader Award from Maytag Corp.
Jackie Detmers
Secretary
Kids Read Foundation
Jackie, who spent her career as an appraiser, has a Heart of gold and been involved in charity work for many years. She was formerly a KidsEat! volunteer and happily accepted the position of Secretary on the Board of Directors for Kids Read. She volunteers with Adopt a Native Elder Group in Utah. She has been nominated for the Heart and Hands Award given by The Utah Philanthropic Day for her history of service to community.
Bob Dunn
Treasurer
Kids Read Foundation
Bob was the VP of the Great Salt Lake Boys and Girls Club and President of the South Valley Boys and Girls Club and brings his leadership, grant and fundraising skills to the Kids Read program. Formerly on the KidsEat! Board, he received the Governor’s Career Humanitarian Leadership Award after 40 years caring for the children at Boys and Girls Clubs.
Karla Jay
Board Member
Karla is an International award-winning author of several books, holds a Masters’ Degree from the University of Utah in Speech Pathology and runs the U Can Learn children’s center in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is instrumental in the formation of our programs and brings her knowledge of education and motivation to our program. She has received the Molina Community Champion Award for service.
Jeannine Marlowe
Board Member
Jeannine is a retired Social Worker, Tutor and creator of several children’s library programs. She is an active advocate for literacy and education of children. She brings insight to our Read and Succeed library program that only a seasoned professional can provide. She has been involved with and has had a history of service to charity organizations world wide and in her own community.
John Gottschall
Advisor
Murray Rotary
John has been involved with community service utilizing his leadership skills for many years. He has volunteered with the Salt Lake Jaycees, South Salt Lake Rotary, International Elks, and currently with the Murray Rotary. His sense of humor and bright personality makes him a perfect volunteer for Kids Read. He spent his business life in the public sector as the general manager of WWETCVO and WesTEC.
Tyson Soffe
Advisor
Murray Rotary
Tyson has a been a community volunteer for most of his adult life. He has served with the Boy Scouts for over 10 years. He joined the Murray Rotary in 2010 and has served as the Treasurer for 7 years. He was President of the organization in 2018 and in charge of Youth Services since 2019. He has worked for the Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary for 22 years as the finance manager.
Sponsors:
Take Part in the Mission
Our team believes that with more helping hands, we can easily achieve our goal to create better reading habits in the Title One areas in Salt Lake Valley. Volunteer to be an "Ambassador" and host a library or donate to our neighborhood initiatives to play your part in this mission.