Ten years of impact · 2016–2026

Ten years of getting books into kids' hands.

Since 2016, the Oakland Literacy Coalition has distributed 500,000+ books through Reading Everywhere and School Library Partnership programs.

Three young readers sharing a book
10
Years of
impact
500,000+

books distributed since 2016

1 million+

books checked out by Oakland students on Sora, OUSD's digital library

100%

of OUSD elementary schools reached through School Library Partnerships

$328,070

into the hands of teachers, schools, and community organizations

Students reading at a school library table
School Library Partnerships

High interest, culturally affirming books

13,344

books added to school library shelvesBooks Kids Want to Read, since 2022

100%

of OUSD elementary schools reached

Through the Books Kids Want to Read program, the OLC has helped school librarians update their collections to help more students discover the joy of reading.

Student drawing made with a literacy grant
Reading Everywhere Action Grants

Small grants, expanding reading-rich spaces througout Oakland

$328,070

into the hands of teachers, schools, and community organizations

516

grants that turned local ideas into literacy opportunitiesSince 2014

In their words
We have so many new books! When I began, the library collection was so outdated and neglected for a long time. With the help of donations and Books Kids Want To Read grants over the years, we have added many new books to the shelves.
School Librarian
Students in a reading circle
Symposium attendance
From 154 in our first year to 600+ at our 5th annual symposium
20212026
Literacy & Justice for All Symposium

Literacy is more than a skill. It's a right.

Since 2021, educators, families, and community leaders have gathered in Oakland around that belief.

28

school districts across the United States

22

states, plus DC, the Philippines, Argentina, and Puerto Rico

Here's to the next ten

Learn. Collaborate. Champion.