Reading for St. Mary’s Heroes honors frontline and essential workers of the COVID-19 pandemic, including health care providers, public health professionals, law enforcement, emergency medical services, firefighters, public works, teachers, grocery store workers and others!
Through this initiative, children (Pre-K – 8th grade) of these frontline and essential workers are paired with high school or college level readers for free reading sessions held virtually via Zoom. This builds literacy skills, social connection, and provides mentoring during a time when our children need it most.
Books selected for the Reading for St. Mary’s Heroes initiative are developmentally appropriate for the child’s age and will touch on topics related to equity. Check out the program booklist!
Sign Up!
Frontline workers can register their children to be read to at: www.readingforheroes.org/sign-up
Volunteer as a Reader!
High school and college students can volunteer to be a reader at: www.readingforheroes.org/get-involved
Please note: A background check will be completed on readers as part of the registration process. SMCPS students who volunteer as readers through Reading for St. Mary’s Heroes will earn hours towards their community service requirements.
All readers must have a library card. If you are interested in being a reader and do not have a library card, please sign up for one here. Upon signup, individuals will be issued a temporary card allowing access to Ebooks and other online resources – a permanent card can be picked up at one of the local library locations.
Advancing Equity in St. Mary’s County
Reading for St. Mary’s Heroes was coordinated through the St. Mary’s County Equity Task Force in collaboration with the St. Mary’s County Public Library and the St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Equity is the idea that everyone, regardless of any personal characteristic or demographic, has equal access to the resources that they need to be their best self. Having conversations about equity with children allows them to appreciate and celebrate the diversity around them. Discussions about inequities at a young age helps normalize conversations about topics that may be otherwise uncomfortable (such as dismantling racism), helps build empathy for others, and promotes an understanding of the barriers that marginalized communities have endured.
For more information or further questions about the Reading for Heroes initiative, please contact Reading for Heroes or the St. Mary’s County Health Department.