Coming to the Cedar Rapids Community August 2026

     Community Reads is a Linn County–based literacy initiative serving children and adults through a community-centered bookstore and educational programming hub. The program will operate from a dedicated physical space that houses a donation-supported bookstore while providing accessible literacy education, tutoring, and enrichment activities.

     Community Reads will rely on donated books and financial contributions from community members to sustain operations. Revenue generated through the bookstore will directly fund free and low-cost literacy programming designed to increase reading skills, writing confidence, digital literacy, and lifelong learning habits.

Programs will include:

• A free book incentive program for participants enrolled in courses or workshops
• Computer literacy classes
• One-on-one literacy tutoring for children and adults
• Writing workshops
• Story time and early childhood reading activities
• Community literary events and special programming

     While largely volunteer-based, Community Reads will be led by an Executive Director to ensure consistent program development, community partnerships, volunteer coordination, and operational oversight.

     Through partnerships with area libraries and local organizations, Community Reads will provide an in-depth literacy experience that complements existing services. Libraries may refer patrons seeking additional tutoring, writing development, or structured literacy support beyond traditional library programming.