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Sara Sayles ardently believes that “the path to happiness lies in having a cause greater than yourself.”

At a point in her life when she needed a cause, she decided to work to share the power of the written word. The seed for The Next Chapter was planted. She began by collecting and buying used books to provide to Woodson Kindergarten Center. Her church, Westminster Presbyterian and other community members helped with this effort.

When her parents died, Sara was charged by her siblings with selling the household goods and they suggested using the proceeds for her book project. A commercial space Sara found available for rent in Mapleview made it easier to sell the things with the rent donated back to her book giving project.  A Saturday thrift shop named The Next Chapter developed, with high quality donated items. This became a way to finance the giving of books.

It is now an official charitable organization, with a board of three: Sara as president, Lori Reuter as secretary, and Colleen Horn as treasurer. The Next Chapter has received grants and financial support from Austin Area Foundation, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. The thrift store continues to welcome quality donations (except for clothing and large furniture), as well as shoppers.

This enterprising woman and her organization have been responsible for providing many thousands of books to our elementary schools across the district. Aware of the diversity in our schools, an effort has been made to provide books reflecting that diversity. Specific requests have been fulfilled for books for LIFE Mower, English Language Learners classes, Spanish language teachers, success coaches, Nexus-Gerard, the Law Enforcement Center, and Black history month activities.

As if that were not enough, The Next Chapter’s impact has grown, with overwhelming support from others.  With the help of volunteers, they now hold adult book studies throughout the community. They provide free books to the volunteer discussion leaders as well as the attendees. Topics have included teen suicide, end -of-life issues, memory loss, and the influence of the internet on youth. The Next Chapter also provides the books for Mower County Senior Center’s monthly book studies.

Another of the Next Chapter’s gifts to the community have been the sponsorship of free Disney movie showings at the Paramount Theater with a free story book about the movie for each family in attendance. Sara’s eyes light up as she proudly explains this project and that the attendance has been about 80 for each of two showings of these movies.

She is also especially proud of three reading events held at Woodson Kindergarten Center featuring readers from the community and providing copies of the book that was featured to each classroom. Josh Whelan, local musician and songwriter, chose “Max found Two Sticks” to read to a gym full of 350 kindergarteners. He then performed a small concert to this very appreciative audience. Sara called this, “The best experience!”

In an effort to continue to expand their mission of growing literacy in order to enhance the quality of life in our community, they have agreed to provide books for summer book studies through the school district’s Community Education Program. And they have received a private donation to fund quarterly book studies for the women’s sober house, Bright Life House, which is expected to open later this year.

Other future dreams are sponsoring a book-to-film event at the Paramount for adults, finding more book study sponsors and leaders, and finding a volunteer digital creator for online promotions. And who knows what this creative woman will think of next!

Sara says she finds it very fulfilling to empower people of all ages to read and discuss important topics, to say nothing of keeping things out of the landfill!

Sara, thanks for enriching the opportunities in our community!

For more information about Austin AAUW contact Sue Grove sue.grove@riverland.edu or Carolyn Bogott@gmail.com. The American Association of University Women, now AAUW, Is open to anyone who has completed a two year degree or beyond. AAUW welcomes men who support our objectives and there are student memberships available. AAUW has been empowering women since 1891. We support equality and education for women. Scholarships are offered, as well as help in litigation in cases dealing with sex