Blog

This holiday season, the Oakland Literacy Coalition (OLC) mobilized 18 dedicated volunteers to revitalize classroom libraries in over 20 classrooms across 12 OUSD schools. Their mission was clear: create organized, inviting spaces to inspire young readers. Guided by OUSD Literacy Coordinator Hanna Sufrin, the initiative emphasized making libraries accessible and aligned with teachers’ visions. 

Making a Difference, One Book at a Time
Volunteers organized books by genre, author, or lexile level, and removed outdated materials, transforming neglected spaces into vibrant, accessible engaging places.. Reflecting on the experience, one volunteer shared, “Helping each room’s library become a welcoming space was incredibly rewarding.” Students’ excitement and teachers’ gratitude underscored the project’s immediate impact. Volunteers left with a sense of accomplishment, proud to support a broader mission to foster a love of reading.

Student Engagement and Teacher Appreciation
Throughout the project, students eagerly interacted, sharing art projects and rediscovering books. Teachers, who often lacked time for such tasks, were deeply appreciative. One volunteer noted, “The joy expressed by the teacher was incredibly moving.” Many volunteers even committed to follow-up visits to ensure every detail, like labeling and signage, was completed.

Why This Matters for Gen Alpha
A December 2024 Business Insider article highlighted the early literacy crisis, including students struggling with basic reading skills. Transforming classroom libraries is not just about organizing books, but reigniting that connection between students and physical books. Helping young readers discover the joy of flipping through pages and ensuring that students have access to a wide variety of books in a welcoming environment is a crucial step in getting more students reading at grade level.

Looking forward, the OLC plans to build on this success, continuing to collaborate and amplify  OUSD’s literacy goals, support teachers, and empower students to embrace the joy of reading.

A few classroom before/after pics:

It took 12 hours for volunteers to organize this classroom library at Carl B. Munck Elementary. The photo on left was taken early in the process, the middle photo was taken mid-organizing, and the righthand photo is the end result.