[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 188 (Friday, November 22, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1501-E1502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO READ TO GROW FOUNDER, ROXANNE J. COADY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 22, 2019

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today 
to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to 
celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Read to Grow, a non-profit 
organization in Connecticut whose mission is to improve early literacy, 
and to pay tribute to the organization's founder, Roxanne J. Coady, who 
recently stepped down as founding board chair. Roxanne's extraordinary 
vision has impacted thousands of families and children across 
Connecticut.
  Roxanne's passion for books and reading led to her second career. She 
left her role as the first female National Tax Director at BDO Seidman, 
for Madison, Connecticut where she restored a downtown building, 
establishing RJ Julia Booksellers and she, along with an incredible 
group of booksellers, transformed her charming local store into a 
nationally recognized authority on books. She also recently opened a 
second location, Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, in Middletown, 
Connecticut which not only returned a bookstore downtown, but also 
serves as the official bookstore for Wesleyan University.
  In fact, RJ Julia's is well-known for hosting book signing events, 
not only with local authors but with recognized celebrities such as 
lifestyle and fashion icon Lauren Conrad, Today show co-anchor and 
Dateline NBC correspondent, Hoda Kotb, former first daughters and 
bestselling authors Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, and just 
recently

[[Page E1502]]

former Secretary of the State Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea 
Clinton. Her dedication and passion have earned her a distinguished 
reputation and she has built a remarkable success.
  Roxanne wanted to do more--she wanted to ensure that every child was 
exposed to the wonders and magic of the written word and that every 
parent was empowered as their babies' first teachers. She knew that not 
every child and parent had that opportunity. And so, with a small group 
of like-minded women, she founded Read To Grow. Read To Grow's mission 
is to build literacy from birth and over the last twenty years they 
have done just that. Under Roxanne's leadership, they have expanded 
their programs to include the Books for Babies Program, the Books for 
Kids Program, and the Early Steps to School Success Program; they have 
had more than two million books donated, provided more than three 
hundred thousand newborn literacy packets, and opened thirty-four book 
places, where parents can select free books for their kids. Through 
this variety of programs and services, Read To Grow has impacted more 
than one million adults, children, and babies. It has been a special 
experience to work with Read To Grow and Roxanne during my tenure in 
Congress.
  I would be remiss if I did not extend a special note of thanks to 
Roxanne for the kindness and generosity she has extended to myself and 
my husband over the years, hosting book signings for each of us and 
providing support as well as guidance on issues of literacy to myself 
and my staff. I consider myself fortunate to call her my friend.
  As Read To Grow marks its 20th Anniversary and Roxanne steps down as 
the founding board chair, she can be proud of the strong foundation on 
which this wonderful organization has been built. I have no doubt that 
it will long stand as one of her greatest legacies. Today, it is my 
honor to stand and extend my deepest thanks, appreciation and heartfelt 
congratulations to Roxanne J. Coady for her exceptional contributions 
to our community. Her good work has left an indelible mark on the lives 
of many.

                          ____________________