Arkansas
Reads

More Than a Book Donation

Each Arkansas Reads partnership combines a substantial book donation with an on-site celebration of reading and learning. The program coordinates with each school in advance, prepares age-appropriate resources, organizes campus and student volunteers, and brings University of Arkansas leaders, faculty and staff into the school.

During recent visits, younger students have participated in read-alouds while older elementary students have completed hands-on STEM activities, including designing and racing wind-powered vehicles. These events allow students to engage directly with books, learning and representatives of the state’s flagship university. Program planning materials similarly identify book collection, school coordination, volunteer engagement and an on-site reading event as the central components of Arkansas Reads.

2027 Arkansas Reads Partner School

The next Arkansas Reads visit is scheduled for March 30, 2027, at William Jefferson Clinton Primary School in Hope, Arkansas.

The visit will continue the program’s central work of placing books directly into the school community, engaging students through reading and educational activities, and building a lasting partnership between the school and the University of Arkansas.

Print and Digital Reading Resources

Print books remain at the center of Arkansas Reads, but the program also uses digital resources to extend its impact.

In 2017, support from the Chancellor’s Office helped provide Fire Tablets featuring hundreds of e-books at different reading levels to C.B. Partee Elementary in Brinkley, Dermott Elementary and Augusta Elementary.

In 2026, Dover Elementary received 10 Amazon Kindle e-readers in addition to its print-book collection. E-readers complement—not replace—print books. They give participating schools another flexible resource that can support different reading levels, classroom reading centers, small-group instruction, independent reading and library use throughout the school year.