At Memphis Striving Readers, we are dedicated to enhancing literacy in our community through various engaging programs. Whether you are a parent, student, or volunteer, there are numerous ways to get involved and stay connected with us.
We offer tutoring services designed to support students of all ages in their literacy journey. Our family reading nights provide a fun and interactive environment for families to explore the joys of reading together. Additionally, we conduct volunteer training sessions to equip individuals with the skills necessary to make a positive impact in our community.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about our programs, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are always here to help and support you in fostering a love for reading.
Join us in our mission to promote literacy across Memphis!
Screen Protectors, Old Phones and Reading on Small Screens
Many families who come to our reading nights still keep an older smartphone around, sometimes a hand-me-down model like the iPhone 3GS, as a dedicated device for a child's reading apps, audiobooks or library e-books. If a phone is going to be passed between small hands, protecting the display makes sense. The two common choices are tempered glass and plastic film, and each has trade-offs worth knowing.
Tempered glass
Glass protectors are thicker and feel much like the original screen. They resist scratches well and can absorb the impact of a drop, often cracking themselves instead of the phone's display. Touch response and clarity are usually very good, which matters when a young reader is tapping through pages or following highlighted text. The downside is that they cost a little more and need replacing once cracked.
Plastic film
Plastic protectors, usually made from PET or TPU, are thin, flexible and inexpensive. They guard against everyday scratches but offer little protection from drops. Cheaper films can reduce clarity or develop bubbles, and some feel slightly sticky under a finger. For an older phone, finding an exact fit can also be easier with generic film that is trimmed to size.
Which suits a family reading device?
- For younger children, tempered glass is usually the better choice because drops are likely.
- For older students who mainly need scratch protection, a good-quality film can be enough.
- Anti-glare finishes can make reading more comfortable under bright lights, though they may slightly soften text.
Whatever device you use, keep screen brightness comfortable, encourage regular breaks and balance screen time with printed books. A protected screen helps a shared phone last longer, but the habit of reading together is what makes the difference. You can find book lists and app suggestions on our resources page, and details of tutoring and family nights on our programs page.
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