We surpassed our goal to double our impact from last year! Volunteers made 56 classroom libraries sparkle at 24 schools across Oakland.
Due to high demand, we extended the Glow Ups into the spring and conducted outreach to Eat. Learn. Play Foundation and Oakland Ed Fund for volunteer recruitment. This effort engaged approximately 75 volunteers in total, including two volunteer groups, OLC staff, and recurring OLC volunteers. We’ll be wrapping up at a few more schools in the next month.
When we all work together, we can ensure every child has access to engaging books they love to read so they can thrive.
Cozy Allendale classroom library
“OUSD teachers feel incredibly lucky to have had this essential support from OLC volunteers! Volunteers have spent countless hours transforming classroom libraries so that they are organized and beautiful – allowing students to access their books of choice more easily and to feel inspired to read more. The design of our classroom libraries sends an important message to students about the power of books, and this GlowUp partnership has allowed OUSD students to see their books glowing!”
Hanna Sufrin (she/her) OUSD Literacy Coordinator, Network 4
“Thank you so much for the message and your help! Suddenly, the students are interested in our classroom library!” “Thanks so much for glowing up our class library! The students and I are very grateful for the support.” “With the books organized, a student found a book about gardening and signed up to stay after school for the Garden Club.”
Teacher Feedback
Volunteer Spotlight
Provident Credit Union, founded and based in the Bay Area, works to uplift the lives of their members and communities through financial wellness. They’re also ready to roll up their sleeves to support Oakland students. Nine employees, including VP of Service Quality and Training Shalini Narayan (pictured here) spent a morning glowing up classroom libraries at La Escuelita Elementary, and generously donated 250 school supplies kits with a personalized note from Provident Credit Union staff.
“The OLC Library Glow Up was the perfect opportunity for me to participate in two things I love to do – organize books and support teachers! It often can be hard to find meaningful and targeted ways to volunteer in OUSD classrooms, so the Glow Up inspired me to connect with my son’s teacher and offer to organize their classroom library as well! The OLC’s volunteer team is extremely organized and it was fun and easy to participate. The teachers were extremely excited to have the help and were ready to receive us. I highly recommend volunteering with the OLC!
– Shrim Bathey Volunteer OLC Board Member
Collaboration is Key
The Classroom Glow Ups have cultivated a strong sense of community, bringing together volunteers across different critical partners. The OLC is immensely grateful for the extra people, energy, and commitment to literacy.
