The Whole-School Community Read

A comprehensive resource for librarians and teachers who want to implement a whole-school community reading program in their schools.

Community reading programs can foster a love of reading, increase student engagement, build a community of readers, and simultaneously improve literacy. Yet, it can be daunting to begin a new program at a busy school. This guidebook provides a clear roadmap for librarians and teachers who wish to try a whole-school community reading program with all ages of learners.

Beginning with a history of whole-school reads, authors DelGuidice-Calemmo and Balantic describe how a community reading program can work for students at all levels—and promote family connections through reading. They offer advice on finding funding, building successful collaborations within the school community, and allowing students to have a voice in book selection. Marketing, makerspace, and promotion ideas help encourage participation. Learn how to use informal checkpoints and a final celebration to sustain and celebrate participants. Finally, come away with strategies to assess these programs and try variations to increase engagement. Appendixes of resources provide practical tools for those ready to begin planning their own program.