At Memphis Striving Readers, we are committed to fostering literacy in our community. Our programs include personalized tutoring, engaging family reading nights, and comprehensive volunteer training, all designed to empower families and individuals in Memphis.

We believe in the power of literacy to transform lives and strengthen communities. Whether you are seeking assistance, looking to volunteer, or want to learn more about our initiatives, we are here to help.

There are many ways to connect with us:

Join us in our mission to promote literacy and make a difference in the lives of Memphis families. We look forward to hearing from you!

Getting Started with Reading Support in Memphis

Reaching out is often the hardest step, especially for an adult who has struggled with reading for years or a parent worried that a child is falling behind. A first conversation does not require any paperwork or test scores. It simply helps us understand what kind of support would fit: one-on-one tutoring, a family-centred activity, or a pointer toward another trusted resource in the city.

What to share when you contact us

  • Who the help is for: a young child, a teenager, an adult learner, or the whole family.
  • What feels difficult: sounding out words, reading fluently, understanding what was read, or finding time and books at home.
  • When you are available: weekday afternoons, evenings or weekends, so sessions can fit around school and work.
  • Your part of Memphis: we try to match learners with locations that are practical to reach.

Small habits that help right away

While you wait to hear back, a few simple routines make a real difference. Read aloud together for ten or fifteen minutes most days, even when a child can already read alone. Talk about the pictures and ask what might happen next. Let children choose some books themselves, because interest builds stamina. Library cards are free for Memphis residents, and public libraries are an easy source of fresh reading material. For adults, short everyday texts such as recipes, bus schedules or news articles are good, low-pressure practice.

You can browse our programs to see the kinds of support we offer, or look through our reading resources for printable tips and book ideas. If you would like to help others on their reading journey, our volunteer page explains how training works and what a typical tutoring commitment looks like.