Child & Family Programs

Reading Mentors

Our Reading Mentors program places tutors with kindergarten through third-grade students to help them become proficient readers. Reading mentors includes one-on-one and small-group instruction. Instruction takes place at local elementary schools or directly with families. Volunteering in this program requires a background check and proof of Covid vaccination. FOL will perform the background check before placement. Volunteers are asked to make a six-month commitment.

Literacy To Go and Mommy & Me

Our Literacy To Go packs makes it easy for families to practice literacy skills at home. Each pack includes a new book; engaging literacy, STEAM, and physical movement activities based on the book; all the supplies for the activities; and parent tips for engaging the child in reading the book. Packs are available for pre-K through second-grade students. Our Mommy & Me packs provide expectant mothers with a reusable tote bag, new board books, educational toys, early literacy activities, and information on other community resources. These packs are distributed to expectant mothers at Cherokee Health Systems. Volunteers help us label books, sort bulk items for the packs, and assemble packs.

Books build readers

We provide books, resources, and activities to engage the whole family in reading—improving literacy skills and fostering a love of reading. We host six Little Free Libraries in Knox County, stock several others, host two Anna’s Book Nook locations in Oak Ridge, and distribute children’s books through local community events, Title 1 schools, and Cherokee Health Systems' Brush, Book, Bed program. Volunteers help us sort and label books, as well as help stock Little Free Libraries and hand out books at community events.

Raising A Reader

Our Raising A Reader Classic Red Book Bag program allows students to borrow a bag of books each week to take home, share with their families, and return the next week to exchange for a different bag. At the end of the program, children and their families are connected with the local library so they continue the habit of borrowing and sharing books. The program also educates parents on how to be reading coaches for their children. Volunteers assist with book rotation, family engagement events, and onboarding new schools.

Adult Programs

Adult Literacy

Our Beginning Reading Program places a trained volunteer with an adult reading student. Pairs meet for 1 hour once or twice a week at a public location and at times that work well for both of you. Volunteers are asked to make a one-year commitment.