About
SMART Reading Shared Reading Programs offers reading support through shared reading time and weekly reading sessions with Volunteer Readers and Site Coordinators. The program also includes book donation, as well as opportunities to clean and restore books through The Children’s Book Bank at SMART Reading, which creates Children’s Book Bank book bundles for local kids.
• Ages: 4–9 years old
• Schedule: Book donation hours Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
SMART Reading Shared Reading Programs is led locally by Jennifer Zardinejad, Area Director, and Kate Drahota, Program Manager. The mission of SMART Reading is to help young children become strong, confident readers by providing books and volunteer reading support, with a vision of an Oregon where all children can realize their full potential through reading. SMART Reading states that 9 in 10 students grow in reading enjoyment. Many local businesses and civic organizations support SMART Reading through sponsorships, donations, and volunteerism, and the Children’s Book Bank at SMART Reading accepts community book donations to distribute to local kids. In celebration of SMART’s 30th anniversary as a nonprofit organization focused on education, the organization commissioned murals celebrating the joy and power of reading in communities around the state.
Parents, students, teachers, and volunteers have shared feedback about the program. A SMART Reading student named Michaela said, “You get to read lots and lots—piles and stacks and castles of books.” A parent of a SMART Reading student said, “I will forever be grateful for the boost it gave my son. It was his favorite part of the week all year. He has gained so much confidence. He is such a reader now. Thank you.” A teacher from James John Elementary described the Children’s Book Bank book bundles as “a celebration, an exercise in kindness, a building of community, and another step in a lifelong journey into reading.” Volunteer Gabe Doebler said, “The smiles on my readers’ faces each week were contagious! I don’t know if they had more fun with the program or if I did. I look forward to next year!” Teacher Alissa Cruz shared that Kindergarten students “love attending SMART Reading and they look forward to the one-on-one time that a volunteer contributes to them weekly—it is a highlight in their week.”
Last updated April 14, 2026.
• Ages: 4–9 years old
• Schedule: Book donation hours Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
SMART Reading Shared Reading Programs is led locally by Jennifer Zardinejad, Area Director, and Kate Drahota, Program Manager. The mission of SMART Reading is to help young children become strong, confident readers by providing books and volunteer reading support, with a vision of an Oregon where all children can realize their full potential through reading. SMART Reading states that 9 in 10 students grow in reading enjoyment. Many local businesses and civic organizations support SMART Reading through sponsorships, donations, and volunteerism, and the Children’s Book Bank at SMART Reading accepts community book donations to distribute to local kids. In celebration of SMART’s 30th anniversary as a nonprofit organization focused on education, the organization commissioned murals celebrating the joy and power of reading in communities around the state.
Parents, students, teachers, and volunteers have shared feedback about the program. A SMART Reading student named Michaela said, “You get to read lots and lots—piles and stacks and castles of books.” A parent of a SMART Reading student said, “I will forever be grateful for the boost it gave my son. It was his favorite part of the week all year. He has gained so much confidence. He is such a reader now. Thank you.” A teacher from James John Elementary described the Children’s Book Bank book bundles as “a celebration, an exercise in kindness, a building of community, and another step in a lifelong journey into reading.” Volunteer Gabe Doebler said, “The smiles on my readers’ faces each week were contagious! I don’t know if they had more fun with the program or if I did. I look forward to next year!” Teacher Alissa Cruz shared that Kindergarten students “love attending SMART Reading and they look forward to the one-on-one time that a volunteer contributes to them weekly—it is a highlight in their week.”
Last updated April 14, 2026.
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