At Reach Out and Read, we believe all families should have the tools and information they need to make reading aloud a daily routine. We help integrate reading into pediatric practices, advise families about the importance of reading with their children, and share books that serve as a catalyst for healthy childhood development.
Prescribe a Book. Change a Life.
- Book Drive: Volunteers of all ages can host a new or gently-used book drive through their own
personal networks, community groups, or businesses. Reach Out and Read children receive new
books during checkups, and gently-used books are given to an older sibling, provided at a sick visit, or simply help to build a child's home library. Since the book drive can last days, weeks, or even months, this is a great long-term volunteer option. - Virtual Book Drive: You can also host a book drive online. Deep discounts from publishers, as well
as our innovative bulk purchasing program, enable Reach Out and Read to buy books at more than
half off of standard retail pricing, allowing your gift to benefit more children. The Virtual Book
Drive is a terrific way to introduce your organization to Reach Out and Read and easily make a
meaningful impact to the 4 million children and families we serve annually.
To learn more, contact the Development Team at development@reachoutandread.org.
Engage with your local sites.
- Adopt-a-site: Your organization can “adopt” a site in need. Volunteers can help make a waiting
room more “literacy-rich” by donating new bookcases and child-sized furniture, parenting
magazines, or bulletin boards and other displays. Volunteers can also build storage areas for
Reach Out and Read books or provide new or gently-used books. Additionally, they can create
murals or photographs with literary themes. Through a sustained commitment to one site, you
can impact a local community and learn more about the Reach Out and Read program in action. - Volunteer Readers: Volunteer readers provide a positive reading experience for children in
waiting rooms, as well as model reading aloud for parents. This is a rewarding opportunity for
small groups and individuals who would like to become involved on a weekly basis. Not all clinics
can accommodate volunteer readers, so please keep in mind that the need for volunteers varies at
each Reach Out and Read program site. Some sites require background checks and volunteer
orientations and/or have age limits for volunteers. - Local Projects: Volunteers can also participate in various projects determined by local Reach Out
and Read staff. Examples of activities include sorting and packaging books or delivering books to a
site. Individual volunteers or groups can greatly contribute to local programs by performing
essential behind-the-scenes work.
How to Apply: Use the interactive map on our website (www.reachoutandread.org/find-a-site) to
find a Reach Out and Read program in your community. When you fill out the online form, your
inquiry will be sent to the program site(s) you have identified. Due to the busy nature of many of our
programs, and depending on their capacity to integrate volunteers into their program, it may take
some time to hear back. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Reach Out and Read!
