At Memphis Striving Readers, we are committed to fostering literacy in our community. We invite you to connect with us through various channels to learn more about our programs and how you can get involved.
Whether you are interested in tutoring, attending our family reading nights, or volunteering, we are here to assist you. Your support is vital in helping us achieve our mission of promoting literacy across Memphis.
For inquiries, please reach out through our contact page or follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest events and initiatives. We appreciate your interest and look forward to collaborating with you to make a difference in our community.
Getting Ready for Your First Visit
Many families and new volunteers ask what they should bring before their first tutoring session or family reading night. The honest answer is: very little. Reading support works best when it feels relaxed and familiar, so we encourage people to come as they are. Comfortable clothes and shoes are plenty, especially for younger children who may sit on the floor, move between activity tables or join a story-based game. There is no need to buy special supplies, workbooks or devices to take part.
A few simple things can still make the experience smoother:
- A favourite book from home. Children often open up when they can share something they already love, even a picture book they have outgrown.
- A library card, if you have one. The Memphis Public Library system is a valuable partner for any family reading routine, and having a card makes it easy to keep reading between sessions.
- A short list of questions. Parents and caregivers sometimes want to know how to help with homework, what reading level to look for, or how to encourage a reluctant reader. Writing questions down helps you remember them.
- A snack or water bottle for longer evenings, unless the event notes that refreshments are provided.
For volunteers, the main necessities are patience, reliability and a willingness to listen. Tutors do not need teaching credentials; what matters is showing up consistently and letting learners move at their own pace. Training covers practical techniques such as reading aloud together, asking open questions about a story and celebrating small progress. You can learn more about what is involved on our volunteer page.
If you are unsure whether a session suits your child's age or needs, browse our programs first, or look through the reading tips and printable ideas in our resources. Building a reading habit rarely depends on equipment. It depends on regular time, encouragement and a few good books within reach, and those are things every Memphis family can begin with today.