Our Dandelion Story
We turned to our mighty partners – and to you – to grow our reading revolution and help many more children learn to read by Grade Three.
for making reading wishes come true
Twenty-two years ago…
…we dreamed a dream that all children in Calgary could become joyful, confident readers. Over the years, Calgary Reads’ one-to-one reading programs, our family readaloud revolution, our Book Bank and our special reading places have given thousands of children a bright start in school and in life. Thank you for being a part of the passionate community of supporters who’ve championed each child’s right to read.
Continuing our legacy
Today, because of the pandemic, there are many more children who need help becoming stronger readers than Calgary Reads can reach on its own. The need for greater early literacy support is so vast and complex and critical, that we needed to scale up and spread out to improve the reading lives of local children and families. So, we’re turning to our village and to you.
Spreading Early Literacy Across Calgary
We see the childhood literacy initiatives that we nurtured along as the seeds of dandelions: the flower of wishes. Now, through our ‘dandelion partners,’ the bright burst of Calgary Reads has become seeds carried far and wide to help many more children open the doors to a lifetime of opportunity.
Hear how our partners are making these seeds their own, and making an impact.
wee read
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area weeread.ca
wee read is a free online resource that helps mentors and caregivers develop and deepen their confidence as reading role models.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary aims to ignite the joy of reading among its youngest mentees (age 6-9) as they build a developmental relationship with their reading role model, their mentor. Both in schools and community, BBBS provides free access to the redesigned weeread.ca as they help young people achieve their potential.
“I observed the student was reluctant to read at the start of the school year, but found that her attitude and behaviour toward reading has improved a lot since meeting with her reading role model mentor.”
– Teacher at a participating school
Early Words
Calgary Summer Reading Tents
United for Literacy
MRU Reads
LENA Start
Little Red Reading House and more
Big Book Sale
Meet Our Dandelion Partners
Letting Go – Letting Grow
When we created our dandelion strategy, it was with the bold hope that closing and gifting our ‘seeds’ to other organizations could actually help us scale, spread out and ensure more children become thriving readers.
In this report from Mount Royal University’s Institute for Community Prosperity, explore the strategy, the outcomes and the framework other nonprofits could follow as they look for innovative ways to grow their impact.
The Next Big Book Sale
Every spring, thousands of people eagerly take part in the Calgary Reads Big Book Sale. Our many volunteers, book donors and shoppers all share incredible passion for childhood literacy, and together, we help ensure a bright start for local children and families.
The Big Book Sale is one more way you can support this important cause. We hope you got to be a part of our recent 20th Calgary Reads Big Book Sale!
2021-22 Report to Community
Please take a moment to read our 2021-22 Report to Community: From Small Seeds Grow Big Things.
Early Literacy Matters
What can I do?
More than ever, children need your help to become stronger readers. We encourage everyone to keep the reading revolution alive by supporting our partners with books, advocacy and time.
Volunteer
Become a one-to-one reading volunteer, get books to young families or support the Big Book Sale. You can volunteer at Little Red Reading House and the Book Bank, and sign up for Big Book Sale opportunities.
Read As a Family
Take time for readalouds to build bonds and brains. Get resources, book picks and more at Little Red Reading House.
Put up a 'Readers Live Here' Sign
Show your hood how much you care about reading as a family and inspire others. To get your ‘Readers Live Here’ sign, stop by Little Red Reading House in Inglewood.
Join Left Unread
Join us in championing each child’s right to read so they can reach their full potential. Get involved in the Left Unread movement and read Canada West Foundation’s latest report: ‘The Case for Literacy in Alberta.’