Partnering with Reach Out & Read Illinois

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Online (Zoom)

Dive into the dynamic collaboration between the Chicago Public Library and Reach Out and Read Illinois, dedicated to advancing early literacy and fostering family engagement.

During this webinar, discover how partnering with Reach Out and Read Illinois extends your library’s reach to families of young children, promoting library card enrollment and nurturing literacy-rich environments. Explore innovative strategies for integrating literacy support into pediatric visits and learn practical approaches to strengthen community partnerships.

Whether you’re a librarian, educator, or advocate, gain valuable insights into empowering families through effective literacy initiatives. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how our partnership is shaping the future of child literacy across Illinois.

All ILA Noon Network webinars are free. The webinar recordings are available to ILA personal members shortly after the webinars. Registration for all live webinars is limited to Illinois libraries.

About the Speakers

Olivia Heinzeroth is a passionate Early Literacy Professional who enjoys all things books. Her journey has been fueled by relentless curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning and advancement. She thrives in environments that challenge her and allow her to explore new skills and ideas.

Outside of work, you can often find her volunteering, exploring my local community, or spending time with family and friends.

Veena Villivalam began her career as a public school teacher in New York City. Before her role as Program Manager with the Illinois Chapter, of the AAP’s Reach Out and Read Program, Veena worked to support funders and non-profits in grantmaking, program evaluation, and program management.

Committed to equity in education in informal spaces, Veena has also pursued educator roles within libraries. With over 15 years of experience in the field of education, she is excited to contribute to efforts to promote early childhood and family literacy through the Reach Out and Read program.

Partnering with Reach Out & Read Illinois