At Memphis Striving Readers, we are committed to fostering literacy in our community. We offer various programs including tutoring, family reading nights, and volunteer training to empower individuals and families across Memphis.

If you have questions or would like to get involved, we encourage you to reach out to us. There are numerous ways to connect:

Your support plays a crucial role in our mission to improve literacy for everyone in Memphis. Join us in making a difference!

Getting Involved: What to Expect When You Reach Out

Many people who contact a literacy program are not sure exactly what they are asking for, and that is perfectly fine. Some are parents worried that a child is falling behind in reading. Others are adults who want to strengthen their own reading skills, retirees looking for meaningful volunteer work, or teachers hoping to connect students with extra support. Telling us a little about your situation helps us point you toward the right starting place.

If you are looking for reading help

Share the reader's age or grade level, what feels difficult right now, and when you are usually available. Reading struggles look different from person to person: one child may find sounding out words hard, while another reads fluently but has trouble understanding what the text means. Knowing this lets us suggest whether one-on-one tutoring or a family reading night is the better fit. You can read more about each option on our programs page.

If you want to volunteer

You do not need a teaching background to help someone become a stronger reader. Patience, reliability and a genuine interest in people matter most. Volunteer training covers the practical side: how to keep sessions encouraging, how to choose books at the right level, and how to notice progress that might otherwise go unseen. If this sounds like you, visit our volunteer page to learn how the process works.

Simple ways to support reading at home

  • Read aloud together for a few minutes each day, even with older children.
  • Keep books, magazines and comics within easy reach.
  • Visit a local public library branch and let children choose their own titles.
  • Talk about what you read: ask questions, make predictions and share opinions.

Small, steady habits often make a bigger difference than occasional long sessions. For book lists and activity ideas, browse our resources, and don't hesitate to get in touch whenever a question comes up.