It is a resource available for use by both established and new literacy and social service agencies. The program begins by training instructors from local service agencies, organizations, churches, adult education programs, and libraries.
Parents become reading role models for their children.
By reading and discussing books with their parents, children sharpen their thinking and reading skills while deepening family bonds. Virginia Festival of the Book, of which VFH is the principal sponsor, celebrates and promotes books, reading, and literacy. In addition, the VFH develops and carries out training programs, seminars, and institutes for professionals in medicine, teaching, social services, law, and business. Nationally Successful programs have been held nationwide in inner cities and rural areas, in prisons, homeless shelters, churches, public libraries, and community service agencies. Nancy Gaj, founder and president of Motheread, based this organization on the conviction that parents are motivated by their own children's needs and interests, and that parents and children can strengthen their relationship through the sharing of stories.