SPREADING OUR PASSION FOR LITERACY THROUGH READ ALOUDS
Through the joy of reading aloud and the gift of books to keep, Link to Libraries helps children carry the reading experience from the classroom into their homes.
The Link to Libraries’ Read Aloud program connects volunteer readers who are excited to share their passion for reading with underserved students in 3rd and 4th grade classrooms. Knowing that by increasing a child’s access to books we greatly increase their chances of becoming proficient readers, this program also provides students with brand-new books to help them build their own home libraries.
How the Link to Libraries' Read Aloud Program works…
- Link to Libraries works with principals (or their designees) to connect readers with a 3rd or 4th grade classroom teacher.
- Once assigned, readers work directly with their teachers to establish a monthly reading schedule that is mutually convenient.
- Link to Libraries readers receive training and a carefully curated selection of picture books designed to inspire discussion and represent the diversity of classrooms.
- Visits typically take about 30 minutes and include a read aloud, a conversation about the book that was read, and time for each child to choose a new book to take home. By the end of the school year, every student participating in our read aloud program will have a home library of approximately 8 new books.
- Link to Libraries readers gift approximately 42,000 books to children per year.
Why helping children build home libraries matters:
Access to Books Helps Children Thrive
A 2010 review of 108 studies commissioned by
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) found that access to books and other print materials improves reading performance, encourages children to read more often and for longer periods, and supports positive attitudes toward reading and learning. By helping children build their own home libraries, Link to Libraries makes these opportunities part of everyday life.
Choice and Ownership Inspire Readers
RIF’s Books for Ownership model emphasizes the value of letting children choose new, age-appropriate books to keep. Choice and ownership are linked to greater reading motivation, frequency, and engagement. Link to Libraries readers bring extra books to every visit, ensuring each student can choose a book that sparks their particular interest.
Every Child Deserves Books at Home
Research highlighted by
RIF and partners shows stark access inequalities: 61% of low-income families have zero children's books at home, and low-income neighborhoods average only 1 book per 300 children compared to 13 books per child in middle-income areas. Link to Libraries’ Read Aloud Program helps close this gap by providing children in Title 1 schools with 8 new books throughout the school year.
Read Aloud Training with Children's Book Author Megan Dowd Lambert
Award-winning author and educator Megan Dowd Lambert introduces The Whole Book Approach: an interactive story time model designed to help make reading more magical, meaningful, and engaging for elementary students. During the session, Megan shares practical tools and techniques to help encourage children to actively participate in story time, explore the art and design of picture books and enrich shared reading experiences.
For more information about Megan Dowd Lambert and The Whole Book Approach visit: megandowdlambert.com
Link to Libraries Readers Workshop by Dr. Jennifer Stratton
I just did my first Link to Libraries reading. Other than spending time with my own child, that was THE best, most fulfilling experience I have had in a long time. The kids are WONDERFUL and were THRILLED to read and discuss the book. They had such wonderful ideas and answers to the questions I’d prepared and inspired other discussion points. And they could not have been more excited to pick out their very own book to take home. You are reaching these kids at exactly the right time, and what an amazing impact. They really are ready to love to read!
Kathleen Pessolano Pittman
LTL Reader at Liberty Elementary School, Springfield, MA
Reading with Link to Libraries is perhaps the simplest, yet most rewarding volunteer opportunity I have ever participated in. It's difficult to express the joy it brings to not only spend time with the students while reading, but to see their faces when they get to pick out and keep their own new book. It makes my day every time.
Tania Spear
LTL Reader at Coburn Elementary, West Springfield, MA
It is so rewarding to excite preschoolers by reading aloud to them and to watch how they ever so carefully select a brand new book to take home to add to their personal library.
Carol Fox
LTL Reader at Metcalf Preschool, Holyoke, MA
Thank you for the opportunity to work with Link to Libraries. It is a great organization and provides an important service to this community.
I think the students (and the teachers) in the classes I read to over the past two years really enjoyed our time together. I met so many wonderful kids and caring teachers and administrators. Reading to the students at the Glenwood School was the highlight of my month!
You should be very proud of what you have accomplished here. I wish you all of the best.
Martin W. Baicker, FACHE
LTL Reader at Glenwood School, Springfield, MA
