About Us

About SMART Reading:  SMART Reading is a children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest need schools with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: one-on-one reading time and access to books. We mobilize volunteers to read with PreK through third-grade children, building confidence, literacy skills and a love of reading. We provide a meaningful way for Oregonians to make a direct impact in their communities. Since 1992, we have paired over 139,000 volunteers to read with 222,000 children, and have put over 3 million books in the hands of the children we serve.  During the 20-21 school year, SMART Reading will continue to get books into the hands of the children and create opportunities for volunteers to read and connect with children in a virtual setting. Across Oregon, children are facing unprecedented hardships that will have negative and lasting impacts as they try to build the literacy skills they need for future learning and success. They need SMART Reading now more than ever, and we need you more than ever.