Make Way For Books
Make Way for Books is a community resource serving Tucsonans in need.
About Make Way For Books
Make Way for Books is a Tucson community resource focused on early literacy and the role that books, language, and shared reading play in children's development. For 25 years, the organization has been giving children the chance to read and succeed. Its work brings together children, families, and educators, with programs designed to create literacy-rich environments and help young people build a foundation for school and beyond.
The organization's approach centers on three areas: building access to books, supporting educators, and empowering families. Make Way for Books provides books through all of its literacy programs, helping families spend more time reading together and encouraging positive attitudes toward reading and academics. The organization notes that children who are read to from a young age enter school ready to read and succeed. Across its programs, children and families gain greater access to language-rich environments and support for making talking, singing, reading, and playing part of daily life.
Make Way for Books also works directly with early childhood educators in preschools, childcare centers, and home-based care settings. Its professional development opportunities include workshops, one-on-one onsite mentoring, and a community of practice. The organization also offers a community of learning and cafecitos for home-care providers. More than 500 teachers participate in these opportunities each year, and 95 percent of participating educators reported gaining skills they could immediately use in the classroom. These efforts recognize educators as important partners in creating classrooms and care settings where children can develop literacy and language skills.
Families are another central part of the work. Make Way for Books describes parents and caregivers as their children's first best teachers, and its family programs are intended to make sharing books an important and enjoyable part of everyday life. Family Education and Literacy is one of the organization's programs, alongside The Story Project: School-Based Literacy and the Make Way for Books App. The organization reports that 100 percent of parents said they shared more books with their children after participating in its programming. Its resources also include family programs, a free app, and materials for educators.
Make Way for Books reports impacting 30,000 children, families, and educators each year. Its Tucson work includes connections with schools, childcare centers, families, educators, and community partners, and its website highlights involvement with early childhood advocacy in Arizona. People can learn more through the organization's programs, educator resources, video gallery, impact information, and opportunities to volunteer, donate, or request books. The organization also offers ways to support its work and invites families and educators to take part in literacy programs that bring books and shared reading into children's daily lives.