About Literacy Read-Ins
Literacy is a means of identification, understanding, and communication in our digital, information-rich, and fast-changing world. The Ed Fund hosts Cultural Read-Ins throughout the school year to celebrate diversity and highlight representation in literature. Hundreds of volunteers—including local authors—read aloud with students in schools across Oakland to share a lifelong love of reading and inspire them to connect with literature representing their heritage and experiences.
Read-In Week Celebrations:
- LGBTQ+ Celebration – September 16-19, 2024
- Latine/x Read-In – October 7-11, 2024
- African-American Read-In – February 10-14, 2025
- Asian Pacific American Read-In – April 28-May 2, 2025
Literacy Prepares Kids for Future Success
Acquiring and improving literacy skills throughout life is an intrinsic piece of the right to an education. Literacy empowers people by enabling improved child and family health and nutrition, reducing poverty, and expanding life opportunities.
Read-In Participants 2023-2024 School Year:
Students Benefit When Adults Read Aloud
- Builds Vocabulary
- Improves Comprehension
- Encourages Active Listening
- Strengthens Fluency
- Develops Processing Skills
- Creates Connections
- Helps Instill a Lifelong Love of Reading!
Get Involved
Ed Fund Oakland School Volunteers make a difference! Guest readers sign up for a 1.5-hour shift at a school to read aloud with classes in celebration of national cultural heritage literature. Suggested book lists by grade level are available.
All volunteers are required to register (this includes signing a volunteering-in-person waiver).
Questions about the Read-In?
Please email the Oakland School Volunteers Team at osv@oaklandedfund.org.
Resources for Volunteers:
- 2025 Asian Pacific American Read-In Booklist
- Tips for read-in volunteers
- See photo stories from past events
Get More Involved:
“I think it’s super important for kids to see adults in their community (who) care about reading books.”