Read to Me Project

Program Overview

Read to Me Project helps children across Monterey County build a lifelong love of reading through joyful read aloud experiences, leadership, and family connection. Our program trains older elementary and middle school students to become “Reader Leaders” by reading aloud to younger children at school and at home.

Students learn fun and engaging ways to read that help younger children grow their vocabulary, imagination, confidence, and early literacy skills. Participating classrooms receive access to libraries with more than 160 books, including bilingual and Spanish-language titles that students can enjoy both at school and with their families at home.

Read to Me Project partners with schools, afterschool programs, and community organizations to support literacy development, mentorship, and meaningful relationships through reading. Our programs currently serve children and families throughout Monterey County, with a focus on communities that face barriers to educational access and book availability.

Through shared reading experiences, children build literacy skills, leadership, confidence, and connection that can support long-term success in school and life.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

"We have a shelf at our house with books but they were dusty because no used them but since I started Read to Me and I read to my baby sister, my mom says that my little sister will grab those books and baby talk to them so I know I am helping her to want to be a reader."- 4th Grade Student Participant

"The Read to Me Project is the only way schools have to penetrate into homes to provide early literacy experiences for children beginning at birth. The Read to Me Project is a simple and impactful program that benefits communities, schools and the lives of students, little ones, and parents." - Sonia Aramburo, Oak Avenue Elementary School Principal