Here are actual photographs of public elementary school libraries in Southern California before their Wonder of Reading renovations. The rooms are drab, crowded, and do not house enough books for students. It’s hard to image children getting excited about reading in these dismal settings. The statistics show that “better libraries mean more access to reading, and more reading, especially free voluntary reading, means better literacy development.”* Yet, many school libraries in Southern California have not been renovated in decades, and currently, four out of five third-graders in Southern California cannot read at grade level. The Wonder of Reading exists to tackle these disturbing facts and to put the wonder back into reading by renovating the elementary school library, restocking the library with new books, and training volunteers to read with students who are struggling with their reading. The process of becoming a Wonder of Reading school begins with the public elementary school applying to the organization. Once a school has been accepted, the 3R Program (Renovate, Restock, and Read) becomes a collaboration between the school, parents, the local community, and The Wonder of Reading. The school must raise $20,000 to receive the organization’s $30,000. The school must also provide two connecting classrooms that will become the new library space. The Wonder of Reading works with the school’s library leadership team to plan the library renovation. From fundraisng through implementation, schools are full partners in the program. Click here to see a new library. *Every Person A Reader by Stephen Krashen.
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