A Love for Literacy

Dr. Julie Wood has devoted her life to children’s education. Now, with a gift to the Boston Public Library Fund, she secures her legacy.

By Katie Miller

At each phase of her career—public school teacher, reading specialist, university professor, publishing consultant, editor, author—Dr. Julie Wood has developed innovative ways to help children read. As a young teacher, she created a reading summer school in her barn. Later, she wrote the “I Can Read” series Tug the Pup, and today she is consulting for the YouTube Original series Kid Correspondent.

Her varied areas of expertise enable her to work holistically across disciplines as she strives to cultivate a love of reading among young people. Dr. Wood received her master’s in education from the University of Connecticut and went on to Harvard University where she earned a doctorate in education with a focus on technology and innovation.

Dr. Wood got in touch with the Boston Public Library Fund about establishing a planned gift to fund opportunities for young patrons to connect with authors and illustrators. In the following interview, she explains her passion for her work and what inspired her to look ahead and give back.

Katie Miller: Your current work examines how new technology is used in education. Can digital tools help create equity in K-12 instruction and promote learning in underserved communities?

Dr. Wood: Technology is a great option to reach students who are struggling in the classroom. Particularly students who are English language learners. A lot of my work as a consultant in education technology is helping developers consider students who are learning English for the first time as well as those with other learning challenges.

Research also plays an important role. We’ve learned that children in underserved areas are more frequently exposed to fictional stories and media. Yet, we know that nonfiction books, programming, and digital tools improve vocabulary and connect students to real-world experiences that cross disciplines. We’ve been able to make strides in the digital space to entice children to learn more about the subjects they’re passionate about.

KM: You recently included the Boston Public Library Fund (BPLF) in your estate plan and established the Dr. Julie Wood Children’s Series. Your gift will be invested, and the earnings will fund annual opportunities for the Boston Public Library’s (BPL) young patrons to connect with authors and illustrators. What inspired you to support the BPL?

Dr. Wood: Establishing the Children’s Series at the Boston Public Library Fund is truly a full circle moment for me. My grandparents immigrated to Boston during the Irish Potato Famine in the 1860s. They never attended college, but they loved to read. They placed great value on the Library and borrowing books (Charles Dickens for my grandfather) because they could never afford to buy their own. When I think of the BPL, I think of my grandparents and my father—who grew up a stone’s throw from BPL. The Library was there for them. In my own small way, I want to make children feel welcome in one of Boston’s finest institutions.

In my own life, I have been so fortunate to have benefited from the generosity of others. In my research and studies, I received grants and funding from people who are deeply committed to education. I think of my many mentors who gave so much to me. This is my moment to give back.

KM: What was attractive to you about creating a planned gift and earmarking this gift in your will?

Dr. Wood: I’m at a point in my life where I want to leave a legacy. Adding the BPL to my will allows me to hold onto my savings while ensuring I can have a big impact later. The Children’s Series is forever, and that makes me feel good! It’s all about supporting the next generation!

KM: What do you want your legacy to be?

Dr. Wood: In the gift agreement, I requested that the Children’s Series emphasize up-and-coming authors and illustrators of color. Having worked inside publishing, I know it can be a closed-off community. I think of all the talented artists and writers who represent the backgrounds of Boston’s children, and I want to lift up their work. It is exciting to think about which authors and illustrators future BPL librarians will select!

KM: If you were speaking with someone about supporting the Library with a gift in their will or estate plan, what would you want to share with them?

Dr. Wood: Follow your passion and then start talking to people who can help you. This is a way to make an impact on something you love!