Little Read Wagon Reading Village
San Antonio Public Library, Texas
Innovation Synopsis
San Antonio Public Library provides the Reading Village as an opportunity for families to engage in brief, enjoyable and memorable interactions around books. Teepee-style tents are set up on the lawns of area early childhood centers along with books and simple props for families to borrow and read together inside.
Challenge/Opportunity
Positive interactions around books support early literacy development. However, Bexar County educational attainment rates (17 percent less than high school completion) suggest that many children might have limited opportunities in the home for such interactions. The Reading Village encourages adult engagement with children and books by offering cozy settings with attractive materials and support from early literacy specialists. Library staff can help families select appealing books and offer suggestions on how to enjoy them together.
Key Elements of Innovation
The Reading Village began with three home-made tents that defined reading areas at boisterous outdoor events. Six more tents were made in 2015 and staff began setting them up at area early childhood centers. The tents draw the attention of children and caregivers upon exiting the school. Often, families make multiple trips to exchange books and read several titles. Some families have just a moment to read one book, but it is a memorable experience.
Achieved Outcomes
Since 2015, Little Read Wagon has hosted 124 Reading Village events at preschools, child care centers and other community venues with attendance of over 5,000 adults and children. “The children delight in sitting, lying, flipping in the tents but all the while totally engaged with the story. You can just tell the families are always going to remember reading books inside a tent at school,” said Mia Rose Flores of AVANCE - San Antonio, Inc.
