Big City Readers X Chicago Public Library
Big City Readers joined forces with 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 from all 81 branches of the Chicago Public Libraries. We focused on using science of reading backed methods in tiny moments they have with families of Chicago. From baby story times to big kid tutoring small groups or a parent running in to ask for help in finding books for their child. We laughed and sang and spent hours going through different scenarios and helping each librarian feel more empowered. Our goal was to make sure all librarians were equipped with practical, research driven strategies they could share with families and caregivers.
We also came together for a big community event. We brought a special big city readers story time to kick off the new take home kits available at all 81 branches of the Chicago Public Libraries.
Each month for 6 months every library was stocked with “big city in a box” - where anyone could come in and request reading resource and take home a few tools and strategies. Attached were mini lessons via QR code just for parents and caregivers to scan and view to know just how to help their child.
At BCR we want parents to know that they are their child’s best teacher. They have what it takes to help their child succeed no matter what. And they have a community on their team (the chicago public libraries and big city readers).
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.
Exclusive mini lesson video for caregivers
What it’s for
These kits were designed to make learning to read fun and engaging for early readers- specifically preschoolers and kindergartners. The activities help children build phonological awareness and early reading skills like:
Learn the beginning sounds of letters.
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. It can be daunting to want to support every child and family in such a big city. But when we take these small steps we get closer to making sure every child and parent has the resources they need.
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.
