Union, community groups hand out 30,000 books at "Reading Opens the World" event

The Rio Rancho School Employees Union and community partners distributed about 30,000 books to families and teachers in a Jan. 12 event called Reading Opens the World, organizers told the board on Jan. 27.

Union president Billy Heughan (presented to the board as the event lead) said the books arrived on 24 pallets, each containing just over 1,000 books, and volunteers set up the distribution at Stapleton Elementary. "We had 240 volunteers" who helped sort and stage the material, Heughan said. The event drew 442 families, who received 10 books per child, and about 220 educators, who received 50 books each for classroom use, staff said. Organizers reported only a few leftover books after the event — and that all remaining books were gone by the following Tuesday.

Why it matters: Organizers said the distribution increased access to print materials for Rio Rancho students and classrooms. Heughan told the board that educators who registered now have access to First Book’s library for discounted or free purchases in the future.

Event partners included the Rio Rancho Police and Fire departments — which provided safety materials and a smoke-house demonstration — the AFT (which funded the books purchased through First Book), United Health Professionals of New Mexico, Sundance Dental and local businesses. Heughan singled out the district warehouse and custodial staff for logistical support, and thanked volunteers for working long shifts to sort tens of thousands of books.

Board members praised the event during the meeting. "Just to see those kids' faces was great," Board Member Beth Miller said. Superintendent Dr. Bisu Cleveland and others thanked union leaders and community volunteers for organizing the distribution.

Ending: Organizers said the event not only delivered books but created connections with families and community partners; staff noted the district intends to preserve event partnerships for future literacy efforts.