The R2S team is thrilled to welcome Betts Conti as our new Elementary Literacy Director managing the R2S Tutoring Program. Check out a quick Q&A below with Betts to learn more about her.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at Read 2 Succeed?
My name is Betts Conti. I am a North Carolina native and a proud graduate of Asheville City Schools and UNC-Asheville. I completed my M.Ed in Urban Education at UNC-Charlotte in 2025. I spent the last decade teaching at the elementary level across grades and content areas. 

I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of Elementary Literacy Director at Read 2 Succeed. I am energized by the opportunity to work more broadly across our community and to build stronger connections between our scholars, schools, and stakeholders.

How did reading or literacy shape your childhood or early life?
For as long as I can remember, I have loved reading. I especially love reading alongside others. When I was in elementary school, my dad and I would take turns reading chapter books and talking about our favorite details and characters. We read some of his favorite books from his childhood and we explored new releases together. Ever since then, I have always loved to read books with others and to hear what resonated, or didn’t, with them. Sharing books is a beautiful way to connect with people and is a reminder that there are so many different ways to look at and understand the world.

What was your favorite book as a child, and do you have a favorite now?
There are too many to count! One that resonates on both fronts right now is Uncle Wizmo’s New Used Car by Rodney Greenblat. It is a delightfully whimsical story about an annual trip to the used car lot. My dad used to read it to me and my brother when we were little. When I started teaching, he sent me a copy for my classroom library. When my daughter was born, she got her own copy and it is now one of our favorite bedtime reads. 

What inspired you to join Read 2 Succeed and work in youth literacy?
As a classroom teacher, I have seen firsthand the impact that R2S tutors have; not only on children's reading skills, but on their self-perception and confidence as readers. I have seen the workshops that R2S provides to instructional assistants, after-school and summer program staff build their capacity and confidence to provide high-quality literacy instruction outside of the traditional classroom setting. For years, I have watched the data and the outcomes change for the better, and I wanted to be a part of this work.

What are you most excited to contribute to our community and team?
I believe deeply in community connection. It is all we have and it is everything we need. I am excited to continue building relationships and to work alongside all the people (parents, caregivers, teachers, tutors, neighbors, etc.) who are committed to seeing our children thrive.

How do you spend your time outside of work-hobbies, passions, or small joys?
Food is my love language. I love baking, cooking, feeding people and snacking. I enjoy gardening and would love to add growing food to the list above. I have been an on-again, off-again yogi for the last 20 years and I do my best to get on the mat whenever I can. Most of all, I love to spend time with my family: my husband, Mark, and our daughter, Carlin.

What do you love most about our local community (Asheville or surrounding area)?
We live in a beautiful place. I am grateful every day for the mountains, and the plants, and the creatures that surround us. I also love our neighbors. There are some really creative, thoughtful, passionate folks here who show up, exactly as they are, for one another. 

If you could recommend one book to our staff, students, or community, what would it be and why?
I recently heard an interview with Mychal Threets, the host of the new Reading Rainbow reboot. He said he doesn’t recommend books to kids, he asks them what their interests are and then responds with “You know…there’s a book about that.” So that’s my recommendation, think about something, anything, that you really like, and go find a book about it. Happy reading!

Fall is almost here, and we’re ready to celebrate with the people who make Read 2 Succeed possible!

Join us for the 6th Annual R2S Fall Mixer on Wednesday, September 30, from 5:30–7:30 PM at River Arts District Brewing Company.

Each year, the Fall Mixer brings together R2S volunteers, educators, families, donors, board members, community partners, and friends for an evening centered on connection and celebration. Whether you’ve been part of R2S for years or are just getting to know our work, you’re invited.
Come enjoy:

✨ Free dinner and your first drink on us
✨ Music, games, and door prizes
✨ R2S swag and free children’s books
✨ Plenty of time to connect with the R2S community

The event is free and open to friends and family, but we do ask guests to RSVP so we know you’re coming.

We’ll also bring back our R2S Tree, where guests can make an optional donation to help support R2S youth literacy programs throughout Asheville and Buncombe County. Every gift helps power work like one-to-one tutoring, Pre-K read-alouds, family literacy programming, and getting more books into the hands of local children.

More than anything, the Fall Mixer is our chance to celebrate the incredible network of people working together to build a stronger ecosystem of literacy and learning in our community.

Come raise a glass, grab a book, meet some wonderful people, and kick off fall with R2S!

📅 Wednesday, September 30
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 River Arts District Brewing Company
🎟️ Free to attend — RSVP today!

Mark your calendar for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of books, learning, and community!

The Reading Opens the World Family Literacy Fair will take place on Sunday, September 27, from noon–4 p.m. at Martin L. Nesbitt Jr. Discovery Academy in Asheville.

This free community event will put more than 30,000 free books into the hands of children, families, educators, schools, and community programs across Western North Carolina. Guests of all ages can also enjoy free food, music, games, family activities, a Halloween costume swap, hundreds of free LEGO brick boxes, and more!

How the Free Book Giveaway Works

• The event is free and open to Western North Carolina Title I and Title I-eligible schools and educators, as well as students and families who attend Title 1 and Title 1-eligible schools, and community partners (after-school programs, summer camps, early childhood providers, etc) who serve those students and families.
• Books will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so guests are encouraged to arrive early.
• Parents and guardians may choose up to 10 free books per student for their home libraries, with a maximum of 30 books per family.
• Educators and school staff may choose up to 50 free books for their classrooms.
• School and community program staff must be registered with First Book to receive books. Registration is free, and on-site registration will be available. You can also register with First Book in advance.
• Hundreds of free LEGO brick boxes will also be available while supplies last.
  
  

Additional information in the event FAQ here.

Please bring sturdy bags, boxes, or a wagon to help transport your books home.

Supporting Our Region’s Education Recovery
The fair falls on the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene—a moment to recognize how far our community has come while acknowledging that recovery is still underway.

Over the past two years, students, families, educators, schools, and community partners have worked incredibly hard to restore routines, rebuild learning opportunities, and help young people recover from the disruption and loss caused by the storm.

The Reading Opens the World Family Literacy Fair is an opportunity to honor that work, recommit ourselves to supporting every learner throughout Western North Carolina’s recovery journey, and come together for a joyful day centered on books, connection, and possibility.

We Need Volunteers to Make It Happen!
An event this big takes a community to bring it to life. Read 2 Succeed needs 60–80 volunteers from Thursday, September 24, through Sunday, September 27 to help prepare for the giveaway and support families during the fair.

Come for one three-hour shift, one day, or several! Individuals, families, clubs, community groups, professional organizations, and workplace teams are all welcome. Children and teens may volunteer alongside an adult.

We need volunteers confirmed as soon as possible. Click the button below to sign up for a volunteer shift today—and invite a friend, family member, or coworker to join you!

Groups that would like to volunteer together can email events@r2sasheville.org to coordinate.

We look forward to seeing you there! Please share this article to help spread the word.

Download and print this free reading tracker to encourage your child to read over the summer and work towards earning one of the rewards listed above!

This Women’s History Month, R2S celebrates the power of education, courage, creativity, and voice. The books below highlight girls and women who discover their strength, embrace who they are, and use learning as a tool to change their worlds. From scientists and poets to activists and everyday girls finding confidence, these stories remind young readers that their ideas matter and that they can begin shaping history right now. ​

Read 2 Succeed is proud to recommend My Superhero Aurie, a joyful and affirming picture book that highlights the beauty of neurodiversity, friendship, and the many ways children experience the world.

Through the lens of friendship, readers are introduced to a young girl whose unique way of thinking and learning becomes a source of strength and wonder. With the support of a close friend who eagerly shares what makes her so remarkable, the story invites children to notice the talents, perspectives, and abilities that make every person different.

Rather than focusing on limitations, My Superhero Aurie celebrates the idea that every brain works in its own special way. The story encourages children to appreciate differences, practice empathy, and recognize that the qualities that make us stand out are often the same ones that make us extraordinary. Moments at school and on the playground show how kindness and friendship help everyone feel included.

With a message rooted in acceptance and belonging, this book is a wonderful resource for classrooms, families, and young readers who are learning about themselves and the people around them. My Superhero Aurie reminds us that when we celebrate individuality and support one another, we create communities where every child’s strengths can shine. 

​Make reading and listening to My Superhero Aurie even more meaningful with our free Family Reading Guide, featuring engaging activities that help children reflect on friendship, inclusion, and the unique strengths that make everyone special.

Download the free R2S Family Reading Guide for My Superhero Aurie here and explore activities that celebrate kindness, empathy, and the superhero qualities within every child!

Join Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe for an unforgettable night! ✨📚

What: Celebrate Black Children’s Book Week in Asheville!
When: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: FREE | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: PVA Community Center (1 Granada St., Asheville, NC 28806)

Grab your neighbors, family, and friends and come celebrate Black Children’s Book Week 2026 with an evening full of stories, play, and connection!

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Khalyn J. Solomon, author of the heartwarming children’s book My Superhero Aurie - a beautiful story celebrating friendship, neurodiversity, and the unique strengths that make every child shine. 

What to Expect:
📖 Author Storytime: Enjoy two special read-alouds with Dr. Khalyn J. Solomon and learn about the inspiration behind My Superhero Aurie.
🎨 Creative Fun: Play reading carnival games and literacy activities for kids of all ages (and win prizes!)
🥣 Cereal Bar Treats: Enjoy breakfast for dinner with Asheville's favorite cereal bar experience catered by our friends at Chill Cereal Bar.
🎁 Take-Home Goodies: The first 50 families to arrive will receive a free  signed copy of My Superhero Aurie with additional family reading resources.
🤝Community Vibes: Relax, connect, and celebrate together in a welcoming space for families with a live DJ, face painting, and more!

Bring your family and your love for reading as we cozy up for an evening of celebrating the incredible contributions of Black children's books, authors, and illustrators. We can’t wait to see you there! 

Meet the Author 💫

Dr. Khalyn J. Solomon, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and bestselling children’s book author. She is the author of My Superhero Aurie, a story that celebrates autism through themes of acceptance, empathy, and self-worth. Dr. Solomon has extensive clinical experience treating children with language delays and disorders, articulation challenges, voice and fluency disorders, autism, and intellectual disabilities. She earned her Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University and is the owner of The Speech Exchange and Language Therapy, Inc., where she works to empower children and families through communication and advocacy. Through her book and professional work, Dr. Solomon combines storytelling and expertise to promote inclusion, confidence, and understanding in every child.

​We are so excited to welcome Dr. Solomon as part of our Black Children’s Book Week celebration and can’t wait for our community to experience her story together!