How one-on-one reading support changes the way children learn to read
My son is seven. We thought he wasn’t caught up in reading, so we reached out to the Library. After he started the READ program, there was a huge change. He’s reading more, reading independently, and he’s confident about it.
Summer Literacy Facilitator Tishe, who once disliked reading herself, knows what a difference it makes to feel seen and supported. “At school, reading felt like a chore. But when I met the right teacher, it changed everything. That’s what I want to be for these kids.
That kind of transformation is exactly what Summer READ, London Public Library’s summer literacy program, is all about. The program’s facilitators rave about watching children come out of their shells, and parents describe it as a “blessing in disguise.”
The summer months are meant for play, fun and family, but for many children, it can also be a time when essential literacy skills slide backward. Summer READ helps children build confidence and overcome reading challenges, so they’re ready to return to school in September.
What is the summer slide?
Each summer, students can lose up to 20% of the literacy gains they made during the school year if they’re not reading regularly.* Known as ‘the summer slide’, this learning loss is well-documented, and the effects are most severe for children who don't have access to books, reading support, or educational programming while school’s out.
According to the National Summer Learning Association, this kind of learning loss is especially steep for children who already struggle with reading or have limited access to learning opportunities outside of school.
While the summer slide is real, the good news is it’s preventable. Reading is about more than just decoding or sounding out words on a page. Through reading, children build empathy, develop critical thinking skills, and start to make sense of the world. By offering free, one-on-one reading support all summer long, Summer READ not only prevents learning loss, but also turns reluctant readers into confident ones.
We offer reading support all summer long
Established in 1977, our READ program has supported youth literacy in London for almost 50 years. Summer READ is the seasonal extension of this program, offered during the summer months and delivered by trained summer students. The program is free and accessible, running at Library branches across the city to reach families from every background.
Designed for children in Grades 1 to 7, Summer READ provides one-on-one help for reluctant or struggling readers, in both English and French. Each child is paired with a trained Summer Literacy Facilitator who meets with them weekly to read, play games, and explore books that match their interests.
“In school, they’re teaching for one group. But here, we have the luxury of working one-on-one.” says Frances Cutt, Children’s Literacy Facilitator. “We start by figuring out what a child loves, and we go from there.”
It’s not about memorizing words or completing worksheets. It’s about joy. Whether it’s Pokémon, graphic novels, or joke books, facilitators gently build reading skills by tapping into each child’s curiosity and imagination.
“We don’t guarantee a boost in marks,” says Frances. “What we do is shift behaviours. Kids start asking to come to the Library. They read to their dolls or siblings. That confidence and that change is what we’re after.”
“We empathize with parents. When your child is struggling, it impacts you a lot,” says Olivia Stedman, Programming and Outreach Services Supervisor. “This gives them support, and a mentor.”
Children learn to love reading
“She had always struggled,” one mom shared. “READ helped connect words to pictures. They played games, made comic books together. It was on a different level than what I could do at home. Now you can see the confidence, she’s excited.”
Another parent described how her son went from reading only a few words to being able to sit down and read full pages. “He started in the summer and continued in the fall. He really flourished. Now when we’re outside he reads signs, and he wants to write sentences."
These stories are echoed again and again. The transformation isn’t just academic, it’s emotional. A proud moment. A shared win for families and facilitators alike.
For Summer Literacy Facilitator Tishe Suleman, the job is deeply personal.
“I kind of fell in love with seeing how the kids start off really timid, wanting absolutely nothing to do with reading, and then break out of that comfort zone,” she reflected. “Eventually, they find that one book that makes them want to read.”
She says the power of the program is in the connection. “It’s not like I’m teaching you how to read. It’s more like: I’m here with you, I’m reading too, and this is fun.” She’s right, but that’s only half the equation. The program wouldn’t be as successful as it is without our passionate facilitators. We’re beyond grateful for their dedication to inspire the next generation and spark lifelong learning.
Why READ with us?
The READ program echoes London Public Library’s mission: to build equity through literacy and learning, to support people of all ages, and to foster curiosity, discovery, and connection.
“We’re the literacy experts,” explains Olivia. “We’re not bound by curriculum. We’re open to everyone, all ages, all abilities, all interests. And it works so well because the Library is a stigma-free, welcoming space. Kids feel comfortable here.”
That comfort makes all the difference. It’s not tutoring. It’s not school. It’s a visit with a friend who shares a book or plays a game, and happens to help you become a reader along the way.
With over four decades of history, the READ program has helped thousands of London children:
- Build positive relationships with a reading mentor
- Discover books that reflect their interests and identities
- Feel more confident in and out of the classroom
- See themselves as readers and learners for life
The program is a powerful example of what public Libraries do best: offering inclusive, cost-effective services that build resilient, thriving communities from the ground up.
Sign up for Summer READ
Ready to help your child fall in love with reading?
No matter where you live in London, we have a branch nearby that offers this program, ensuring your family has support when and where you need it.
Visit our website to learn more about READ and sign up for a parent info session.
We also offer a school-year version of the weekly READ program, which is supported by volunteer READ mentors. Watch for parent info sessions for this program in late summer and early fall.
When a child discovers that reading can be joyful, everything changes.
*(Source: Scholastic)