Aug. 26, 2022

REACH Literacy isn’t focused on crafting; the Sioux Falls-based nonprofit is dedicated to tutoring and teaching literacy to Sioux Falls adults and children.

But, with receiving thousands of books a year, the nonprofit’s staff and volunteers will make crafts and decorations out of books that are too old or too well-loved, said Paige Carda, executive director of REACH Literacy.

The nonprofit features a giant book arch at its second-hand bookstore in the Western Mall made from books Carda’s late mother had owned, for example.

REACH will be joining Saturday’s 605 Made Night Market for the first time, with proceeds going toward the nonprofit’s mission.

REACH will sell a range of book creations, including succulent planters, notebooks, paperback book postcards and decorations.

“We believe literacy is a fundamental human right,” Carda said. “Being able to read means you can provide for your family, lift yourself out of poverty and be more of an active member of your community. Whether you’re English-speaking primarily or as a second language, everybody should have the opportunity to learn how to read, be part of a community and improve their standing in life.”

The nonprofit takes donations and sells second-hand books at the Western Mall and at a pop-up bookstore in the Jones421 building in downtown Sioux Falls, where it plans to stay for the rest of the year.

Any proceeds taken from selling crafts at the Night Market are a bonus, Carda said. More importantly, they want to spread the word about their mission and organization.

“We’re doing this because it’s taking something that people loved and read, and we’re remaking it into another reusable product,” Carda said.

The 605 Made Night Market will be from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday in the Raven parking lot on the southeast corner of Sixth Street and Phillips Avenue. It’s co-organized by Knotty Gnome Variety & Salvage and SiouxFalls.Business and sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Dow Rummel Village.

Here’s your guide to shopping, food, entertainment at Saturday’s 605 Made Night Market