October 18, 2026 4:50 p.m. 

SMART Reading, Oregon’s largest volunteer-driven literacy nonprofit, is preparing to launch programs for the 2026-27 school year and community members have an opportunity to step up and empower the next generation of readers by volunteering to read weekly with students across Douglas County.

A SMART release said since launching in 1992, SMART Reading has reached landmark milestones across the state, pairing over 164,000 volunteers with more than 357,000 Oregon children and putting over 5.1 million books directly into children’s homes. This school year, SMART plans to serve more than 2,000 students and distribute more than 10,000 books in Douglas, Coos, and Curry counties, ensuring local kids have the tools and support they need to succeed.

Volunteer opportunities include readers and site coordinators. Readers are needed who can commit one hour a week to read with a child at a local school. No prior teaching experience is required, and full training is provided. Site coordinators will lead literacy efforts on the ground by coordinating the weekly reading session at a school. This role requires 2 to 8 hours per week and is ideal for those who enjoy organization and community engagement.

Volunteer site coordinators are needed at East Primary School, Glide Elementary, Glide UCAN Preschool Promise, Roseburg UCAN Head Start, and YMCA of Douglas County.

The organization is also seeking readers at those locations as well as at Fir Grove Elementary, Green UCAN Head Start, South Umpqua UCAN Head Start, Sunnyslope Elementary, Sutherlin Head Start, Winston UCAN Head Start, and Roseburg YMCA.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to sign up, go to: www.SMARTReading.org or call 541-672-6477.