CALGARY READS (AN EARLY LITERACY INITIATIVE) SOCIETY is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting early literacy among children, particularly aiming to ensure all children in Calgary can read with confidence and joy by Grade 3. Established over two decades ago, Calgary Reads has become a significant community-driven effort supporting early reading skills through various innovative programs and partnerships.

Mission and Vision

Calgary Reads’ mission is to equip communities with the books, knowledge, and inspiration necessary to help every child become a proficient reader by Grade 3. The organization believes that providing children with their own books, strong reading role models, and welcoming reading spaces fosters a lifelong love of reading and improves their school success and life outcomes.

Programs and Initiatives

Calgary Reads implements a range of literacy programs and community initiatives that support early learning, including:

• One-to-one Reading Programs: Personalized reading support to build children's reading skills and confidence.

• Family Read-Aloud Revolution: Encouraging families to share reading experiences that nurture literacy at home.

• Book Bank: Providing children with access to quality books to own and treasure.

• Special Reading Spaces: Creating inclusive environments like the Little Red Reading House and Calgary Summer Reading Tents, where families can engage with books, storytelling, and literacy activities.

• Early Words Program: Partnering with healthcare clinics across Canada to distribute books and offer literacy counseling, continuing the legacy of integrating health and early learning supports.

The Calgary Summer Reading Tents initiative specifically offers community-based interactive storytime events complemented by games and crafts, which help reduce summer learning loss and increase book ownership among children.

Community Impact and Partnerships

Calgary Reads collaborates extensively with schools, educators, healthcare partners, and community organizations. This coalition of passionate supporters and stakeholders allows the society to reach thousands of children annually, providing them with resources and opportunities to develop strong literacy foundations.

The organization’s approach emphasizes not only literacy skill development but also fostering joy and confidence in reading, contributing to brighter educational and personal futures for Calgary’s children.

Registration and Recognition

Calgary Reads operates under the business registration number 861127538RR0001 as a registered Canadian nonprofit organization. It has established itself as a trusted early literacy initiative within the Calgary community and beyond.

Calgary Reads continues to inspire a vibrant reading community, turning the dream of universal literacy into reality through a creative, community-centered literacy revolution[1][2][3][5].