August 29, 1996 was a red letter date for Elrene "Elke" Davis with the inception of the Estill County (Ky.) Board of Education Reading Is Fundamental grant. A dream came true for her with the opportunity to continually provide free books for preschool through 8th grade students! Collaborating with Family Resource Youth Service Center directors has made each RIF distribution a highly anticipated event for Davis and the students.

Davis, a Kentucky educator, has spent the past 37 years as federal programs coordinator, library media specialist, classroom teacher and family literacy coordinator in Estill County. She has served as an advocate and volunteer for literacy on committees, as Appalachian storyteller, guest reader, dressed in character costume with props, and in the development of school programs. Davis was published with her Librarian's Supplement for "Telling Tales," the Appalachian and African folktales series produced by KET, The Kentucky Network.

Davis received bachelor's, master's and Rank I degrees from Eastern Kentucky University. A native of Pike County in eastern Kentucky, she credits her parents for instilling the importance of and her love for reading. Davis, her husband A.J., son Arthur J., and border collie Buck reside in Irvine, Ky.

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