Meet Our Staff Members: Nichole Townsend

Meet Nichole – Our New Outreach and Bookstore Manager!

We’re thrilled to welcome Nichole Townsend to the Reach Literacy team!  Nichole will oversee the day-to-day operations of our one-of-a-kind nonprofit bookstore and lead efforts to build meaningful connections throughout the Sioux Empire.

With a strong background in volunteer leadership, community engagement, and fundraising, Nichole brings a wealth of experience and passion to our mission. Her talent for building relationships and creating inclusive spaces makes her a perfect fit for Reach.

We’re so excited to have Nichole on board. Stop by the bookstore and say hello!

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and adopted as a baby. I grew up in Iowa and moved to Sioux Falls in 1998 to attend the University of Sioux Falls—and I’ve been here ever since.  I have two daughters, Brooklyn and Brynn, and two dogs, Penny and Lucy.

Describe yourself in five words.

I love Diet Dr. Pepper

What excites you the most about your role at Reach?

What excites me most about my role at Reach is how the bookstore brings everything together. It supports Reach’s programs, offers a meaningful way for people to donate books and make a local impact, and gives pre-owned books a second life. I also love that Reach partners with organizations across the community to expand access to books for as many people as possible. It’s such a unique way to bring together literacy, sustainability, and community impact.

What are some of your favorite books?

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Anything Harry Potter

What’s one book you think everyone should read at least once in their lifetime

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss