“There’s so much more to a book than just the reading.” – Maurice Sendak

Reading can be a solitary hobby. You pick your book, you find a quiet place and you lose yourself in the story.

But it’s often a hobby you do alone. For one little girl, however, reading is something she is determined to share with others. And she’s doing that, one elderly person at a time.

Seven-year-old Maggie Kuznia has always loved reading. Her parents said that even before Maggie was born, they read to her.

Like other kids her age, she also loved video games. So one day, when school was snowed out, her mom Tiffany, decided to bring Maggie to work with her. Tiffany is the activity director at the Heritage Grove Senior Living in Grand Forks, Minn.

First grader Maggie Kuznia reads to retired first grade teacher Patti Griggs. Photo by KARE

Maggie was getting ready for her day at the senior home, when her mom reminded her to grab her Nintendo Switch.

“I’m not bringing that today,” Maggie responded. “I’m going to bring books and I’m going to read to the residents.”

What started as a one-day activity has become an integral part of the little storyteller’s life, as well as those of the residents. Not only has Maggie improved her reading skills, but she has helped seniors who might not have had much social interaction.

Resident Patti Griggs agrees.

“I think the intergenerational part is so good,” she said.

Everybody likes to have the attention of another person and be special to them.”

Over time, Maggie has become a constant companion to the residents. She has “regulars” she reads to each week. Each visit typically lasts an hour (though her mom checks in to make sure the residents don’t need a break). But it’s not just reading – the residents also love to color and work on puzzles with Maggie.

The extra ‘tutors’ in reading, Tiffany said, has helped Maggie build her reading skills up.

“It’s helped it tremendously,” her mother says. “And it built up her confidence of reading too.”

Maggie Kuznia’s reading skills have improved greatly due to her reading books to the senior citizens. Photo by KARE

Now, the little girl always has a book around.

“She falls asleep every night with a book in her hands,” Tiffany said. “Every morning there’s like three or four books in her bed.”

Maggie’s growing reading skills haven’t been lost on Patti, either.

“She’s such a good little reader. I taught first grade, and I taught kids how to read. There were very few children who could come in and read like that,” she said.

Maggie knows how lucky she is and how much help she is getting with her reading.

“I really like when (Patti) helps me out because it makes me know the words more better,” she said.

Besides, the little bookworm said, “I give good hugs, (too).”

Watch below to see this amazing little girl read to her new friends.

Sources: My Modern Met | KARE 11