Children’s literacy nonprofit provides book access and reading practice to local students

Ashland.news staff report

SMART Reading is in need of reading volunteers and site coordinators to support their mission to provide shared reading time and children’s literature to students in Oregon.

The nonprofit organization has been active since 1992 bringing components of regular reading practice time with an adult, and access to books, overall supporting student’s reading success.

In its 33rd year, the nonprofit reached 980 students in the Jackson and Josephine counties, giving away 11,400 books during the 2024-25 school year. Data collected from teachers showed that 90% of students who participate in SMART Reading have improved their reading comprehension, vocabulary development, motivation, and enjoyment.

The organization is looking for volunteers to fill the roles of a Reader and a Site Coordinator. Readers commit one hour a week to reading with a child or a classroom at a local school, focusing on sharing the joy of reading and helping students build confidence through practice. Site Coordinators commit two to eight hours a week to lead each site by overseeing and implementing weekly reading sessions.

Site Coordinators are needed at Helman Elementary and Oregon Child Development Coalition – Briscoe Center. Volunteer Readers are needed at those two sites and additionally Ashland Head Start and Walker Elementary.

SMART Reading Area Director Leona Westdahl shared, “Volunteering with SMART Reading is a fun, meaningful way to impact kids right here in our community. I regularly have volunteers tell me that the hour they spend at SMART is the best part of their week.” 

To learn more about this experience, contact your local SMART office at 541-734-5628, or visit SMARTReading.org. 

Source: SMART Reading news release. Email Ashland.news at news@ashland.news.