Reading Together: Partnerships with Purpose

I work at the University of South Carolina, and we are proud to be the home of Cocky’s Reading Express (CRE). CRE started in 2005 as a week-long student government project. The School of Information Science adopted the program and it continues to this day. This statewide literacy outreach initiative brings college student volunteers and USC’s mascot, Cocky, to elementary schools across South Carolina. Students hear stories read aloud and receive free books to build their home libraries. During my time at USC and previously, as a school librarian, I’ve noticed that K–12 students, especially those in elementary school, love visits from college students.

Reading partnership examples

School and public libraries and universities have a lot to offer one another and across the country, libraries and universities are teaming up to ignite a love of reading in children. Whether through mascot-led read-alouds, themed literacy camps, or mobile book deliveries, these partnerships blend energy, expertise, and fun.

Here are just a few examples to check out and see what inspires you!

• Read-a-Rama – University of Washington: Founded by Dr. Michelle Martin, Read-a-Rama uses themed, book-based camps to fight the summer slide and connect reading to real life. Through immersive activities—everything from crafts to swimming—kids dive into stories and come out stronger readers. The program partners with public libraries and housing organizations to ensure access for all children.
• New Worlds Reading – University of Florida: This statewide program mails free books to eligible children and provides training to families and educators to support reading at home. It’s a great example of how universities can use their reach and research to empower families and boost literacy outside the classroom.
• The Real Men Read Program – Rutgers University: Started by Ph.D. student Neil Grimes in 2020, this program encourages young boys to develop a love for reading by introducing them to male role models who value education and literature.
• Sparky’s Reading Program – Liberty University: This initiative, led by Liberty University Athletics, encourages elementary school students to read through a trimester-based structure with incentives and themed rewards. The program helps build excitement around books while reinforcing school partnerships.
• The Storymobile – Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) Pittsburgh: While not a university partnership, the Storymobile is worth highlighting. This mobile library visits early learning centers, after-school programs, and public housing communities, offering high-quality read-alouds and book giveaways. It’s a great example of what’s possible when community organizations work together to reach children where they are.

Feeling inspired? Here are some suggestions for getting started:

• Connect with local institutions. Reach out to departments of education, early childhood, literacy, or library science. Faculty and student groups are often looking for meaningful outreach opportunities.
• Host student interns or service learners. Public libraries can be great sites for practicum hours. It’s a win-win: students gain hands-on experience, and libraries gain fresh energy and ideas.
• Invite college guest readers. Mascots, student-athletes, fraternity/sorority members, and professors can add excitement to storytimes or school visits.

Partnerships don’t have to be complicated to make a big impact. When libraries and universities come together, kids benefit—and so do the communities we serve. Whether it’s a one-time event or a long-term collaboration, consider how your library might team up with local college students and faculty to spread the joy of reading.

Valerie Byrd Fort is Co-Chair of the School Age Programs and Services committee.  Currently, she is an Instructor in the School of Information Science at the University of South Carolina.

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 I work at the University of South Carolina, and we are proud to be the home of Cocky’s Reading Express (CRE). CRE started in 2005 as a week-long student government project. The School of Information Science adopted the program and it continues to this day. This statewide literacy outreach initiative brings college student volunteers and USC’s mascot, Cocky, to elementary schools across South Carolina. Students hear stories read aloud and receive free books to build their home libraries. During my time at USC and previously, as a school librarian, I’ve noticed that K–12 students, especially those in elementary school, love visits from college students. Reading partnership examples School and public libraries and universities have a lot to offer one another and across the country, libraries and universities are teaming up to ignite a love of reading in children. Whether through mascot-led read-alouds, themed literacy camps, or mobile book deliveries, these…
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