The Gift of Access – Meet Jaclyn Yelich

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If you ever have the chance to sit down with BookGive Page Turner Jaclyn Yelich over a cup of coffee, be prepared to be transported to world filled with color, culture, and conversation.

“I love learning why things happen and why the world is the way it is,” she explains. That knack for lifelong learning draws her to historical fiction and history – specifically Asian and European historical fiction – and she particularly admires female authors who continue to inspire her love of travel.

“My favorite character is Antonia of My Antonia,” she reveals. “It’s about Norwegian and Czechoslovakian immigrants who arrive to the Midwest, and the author describes what their lives were like, how they were treated, and how Antonia had the resilience to persevere. It paints a beautiful picture of human survival.”

Jaclyn has always been dialed in to the world around her. But the world she grew up in was quite different from the world she finds herself in today. In fact, Jaclyn grew up in a small, rural town in Montana – where her graduating class was only 44 people. As a girl, Jaclyn recalls just how vital the town library was for her community, especially as a teenager.

“When I was twelve, I became ill, and our town librarian brought me books as a way to pass the time and keep me busy,” she tells us. “That access changed my life.”

Years later, after immersing herself in the refugee and immigrant community in Denver as a language educator and advocate for refugee and immigrant resources and support, she found herself volunteering at Project Worthmore. It was there that she made the connection that refugee and immigrant populations needed books in their hands just as much as they needed help meeting their basic needs.

After becoming a regular volunteer and learning about BookGive through connections in the community, she discovered the nonprofit was responsible for filling 20 Little Free Libraries to install at different points around Denver. Jaclyn immediately connected Project Worthmore to BookGive and was able to secure a Little Free Library for the organization, which now proudly offers a wide selection of books for the individuals and families they serve.

“When I go to Project Worthmore and see BookGive books, I watch people going through them to take them home to their kids and I know it makes a difference,” Jaclyn says. “Many of their families can’t afford books, and BookGive’s bilingual book donations allow for parents to learn new languages alongside their children and share knowledge with each other.”

Today, as a proud Page Turner, Jaclyn will tell you she doesn’t hesitate with a monthly gift – especially since she has seen where her dollars go firsthand.

“When I write a check, I don’t even think about it,” she shares. “It’s going to diverse book distribution and ongoing literacy. BookGive volunteers are genuinely happy people who love the work, love books, and champion literacy for all.”

Jaclyn reiterates that if people are proponents of literacy and access to books, then donating to BookGive is money well spent, especially since books go to people of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and individuals experiencing or navigating different
life challenges.

Her belief in the BookGive mission boils down to one thing: BookGive makes a true difference in the lives of people across the Denver metro region because of their intentionality and the passion of their volunteers to fulfill each order with compassion
and care.

“The book fulfillment piece is so impressive,” she remarks. “Community partners are always receiving the types of books they want, while BookGive volunteers take time to go through each order and make sure every book gets distributed. It’s a very thoughtful process.”

Someone once brought books to a twelve-year-old girl who needed them. Today, Jaclyn is helping make sure BookGive can do the same for thousands more, turning the page toward brighter futures, one book at a time.