Big City Readers x Chicago Public Library
Big City Readers joined forces with the Chicago Public Library to combine professional training and take home resources for families across the city.
At Big City Readers, our mission extends beyond the classroom.
We partner with schools, libraries, hotels, and community organizations to bring the joy of reading to more children and families. From professional trainings to public story times and curated book experiences, these collaborations highlight the impact we can make when we work together.
Last year, I had the opportunity to lead a professional development training for CPL librarians focused on using science of reading backed methods. This equipped librarians with practical, research driven strategies they could share with families and caregivers.
Together, we also created special take home kits that were available in branches across the city.
What’s in the kit
The kits contained hand on supplies for playful, effective literacy practice. Families could use them to:
Label kitchen items to practice phonics.
Tap into tools like Pop Its to connect words and sounds.
Try out interactive activities designed to build early reading skills.
What it’s for
These kits were designed to make learning to read fun and engaging for preschoolers and kindergartners. The activities help children:
Learn the beginning sounds of letters (phonics).
Break words into syllables by clapping them out.
Recognize vowel and consonant sounds.
Strengthen the connection between hearing and saying sounds and words.
This collaboration meant that families who walked into their neighborhood library left not only with books, but also with practical tips, tools, and activities grounded in the science of reading. It’s one more way we’re working to ensure that every child has the chance to fall in love with reading.
These collaborations are just the beginning. If your business, school, or organization would like to partner with Big City Readers, we’d love to connect! Reach out to hello@bigcityreaders.com
