U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan recognized Olivia Van Ledtje of Durham today as March’s Granite Stater of the Month for creating videos — called LivBits — that promote literacy and encourage children in New Hampshire and around the world to love reading as much as she does.

Olivia began creating LivBits when she was eight years old as a way to overcome bullying by her classmates. Olivia’s first video, which was posted to her mother’s social media account, went viral and has more than 500,000 views. As a result, Olivia credits these videos for helping her discover her voice and purpose. Since then, Olivia has created many more LivBits about some of her favorite books and even hosted a podcast with authors as a way to get children her age excited about reading. Over the last few years, Olivia has traveled across the country and around the world to inspire others through her love of reading. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Olivia has continued this mission by connecting virtually with students and teachers around the globe.

Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here.

See below for Senator Hassan’s statement to the Congressional Record honoring Olivia Van Ledtje as March’s Granite Stater of the Month.

M. President, I am proud to recognize Olivia Van Ledtje of Durham as March’s Granite Stater of the Month. Olivia, a twelve-year-old book activist, creates videos – called LivBits – that seek to encourage children around the globe to love books as much as she does.

Olivia began creating LivBits when she was eight years old as a way to overcome bullying that she experienced. The videos gave Olivia a purpose and allowed her to find her voice.

Olivia’s first video, which was uploaded to her mother’s social media, went viral and has more than 500,000 views. Since then, Olivia has created many more LivBits about some of her favorite books, and even hosted a podcast with authors as a way to get children her age excited about reading.

Over the last few years, Olivia has travelled across the country and around the world to promote her love of reading and inspire others. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Olivia hasn’t been travelling as much, but because her work is built for the digital age, she is still able to share her message with children and teachers around the globe.

Olivia’s passion for and dedication to promoting literacy and inspiring children in New Hampshire and around the world to love reading represents the best of our state. By promoting self-reliance and self-empowerment through discovery and learning, I know that she will continue to do incredible things, and I look forward to everything she will go on to accomplish.

Newsletter