Community initiative donates more than 7,000 books and partners with more than eight local organizations in first year
“What began as a small mother-daughter effort to share books with children has blossomed into a community movement bringing the joy of reading to thousands of young readers across the region,” a news release says.
“In just one year, Mom’s Book Nook has donated more than 7,000 books and partnered with more than eight local organizations to place books directly into the hands of children throughout the community,” the release points out.
“Founded by Felicia Donson in honor of her late mother, Elaine Rothberg, Mom’s Book Nook carries forward the spirit of generosity that defined Rothberg’s life,” the release explains. Having worked as a nurse at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Rothberg “was known for her deep compassion for children and her belief that small acts of kindness” — such as sharing a book — “could brighten a child’s day and open the door to new possibilities,” the release adds.
“Together, mother and daughter discovered their shared joy in volunteering and spreading the love of reading. They began by curating and expanding a classroom library for a retired teacher and family friend — an effort that soon grew into a mission to place books directly into the hands of children, particularly during holidays and summer breaks,” the release continues.
“The response from the kids was overwhelming,” Donson said in the release. “Waiting lists formed for the books we shared. But what stayed with us most were the handwritten thank-you notes — little windows into just how much a story can mean to a child.”
The release notes, “Mom’s Book Nook officially launched in March 2025 with an initial donation of 250 books to Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast [JFCS]. In just one year, the initiative has expanded dramatically, partnering with nonprofits and community organizations to build classroom libraries, enhance reading spaces, and send books home with young readers.”
Today, Mom’s Book Nook partners with such organizations as Forty Carrots Family Center, Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, SPARCC, the Child Protection Center, Baby Fox Academy, the Sarasota Police Department, Children First, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto counties, the release points out.
“Michelle Kapreilian, CEO of Forty Carrots Family Center, says the impact is immediate,” the release notes: “The gift of reading and love of books is one of the most valuable treasures we can provide our children. Forty Carrots Family Center is proud to partner with Mom’s Book Nook to help share the joy of learning throughout our community.”
“These partnerships allow us to reach children where they already feel safe and supported,” Donson said in the release. “A book can open a door to curiosity, imagination, and confidence. Watching that spark happen is incredibly rewarding.”
The release adds, “As Mom’s Book Nook marks its first anniversary, Donson hopes the initiative will continue to grow with the support of local businesses and donors who believe in the transformative power of reading.”
“We want every child to have the chance to escape into a story, to feel seen, and to imagine new possibilities,” Donson explained in the release. “This project has become my way of keeping my mother’s heart in the world — one book at a time.”
Mom’s Book Nook is seeking additional nonprofit and school partners, as well as individuals and businesses interested in supporting the initiative’s continued growth. To donate to the initiative or to learn more about it, visit MomsBookNook.net.