Sul Ross professor asks Alpine council to help close $4,000 funding gap for Read‑Aloud Celebration

Professor Jean Braunstrom appeared Oct. 29 to request city support for Sul Ross State University’s Read‑Aloud Celebration, an event that brings a nationally known children’s author to Alpine to promote family literacy and places a copy of the author’s book in every participating family’s hands.

Funding status: Braunstrom said the program previously received $5,500 from Humanities Texas but received only $2,500 this year due to funding reductions. The education honor society at Sul Ross pledged $2,200; West Texas National Bank committed $1,000 and the Lions Club $500. Together with the Humanities Texas award, the group still reported a shortfall of about $4,000.

Program details: The event serves preK–4 families from Alpine and neighboring communities, typically attracts about 150 families and includes breakout reading groups, an honored‑reader program and a book distributed to each family. Braunstrom said she donates significant preparation time and that event funds pay for the visiting author and book copies.

Council response: Council members expressed support for the effort but noted current city budget constraints and the need to consider other priorities (notably water and sewer projects). Multiple council members said they were willing to consider personal contributions and suggested Braunstrom seek funds from the county, local businesses, foundations and philanthropies. No commitment of city funds was made during the meeting because this was a discussion item and the city may not approve expenditures outside a posted action item.

Next steps: Braunstrom will approach other potential funders (including the county) and return to council if she requests formal city support with the appropriate agenda item.