Southern Nevada Community Collaborations

The Book Bus – a literacy initiative led by the Clark County School District (CCSD), the Public Education Foundation (PEF), and Spread the Word Nevada (STWN) – connects students with free books to increase literacy and spark interest in reading among students and their families. The Book Bus launched at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. Children ages 0-18 in underserved and under-resourced areas receive at least two free books in a range of topics, interests, and languages to meet the needs of a diverse reading population, with children ages 0-5 receiving up to four books per visit. 

The Lifting Literacy Liberation (L3) Coalition strives to double Clark County School District’s 3rd Grade Reading proficiency from 32% to 64% by 2030.  Spearheaded by Teach for America and Spread the Word Nevada in 2023, the coalition now stands strong with 25 organizations vested in literacy working together to cultivate a community that supports students to reach their full potential through literacy education, support, training, and advocacy.

The Readers in Training Resource Fair brings families together for a fun-filled day celebrating early childhood literacy. Guests enjoy exciting activities like face painting, cosplayers, free giveaways, a live DJ, and interactive read-aloud sessions, all in support of Spread the Word Nevada’s Readers in Training program, which helps foster a love of reading from birth to age five.

Northern Nevada Community Collaborations

The Children’s Cabinet works to keep children safe and families together throughout Nevada. In partnership with Children’s Cabinet, we help to provide books for families and children enrolled in their programs, sharing the magic of books with the families they serve.

Education Alliance helps to support teachers by providing a space for WCSD teachers to shop for free for supplies and resources for their classrooms. Our collaboration allows us to share high quality books with teachers, ensuring that students across the community have access to enriching reading materials.

Thanks to Education Alliance’s generous support, direct donations are funneled to Spread the Word Nevada so we can curate and provide the best books for classrooms in need. Together, we’re empowering teachers and inspiring a love of reading in every child.

Northern Nevada Reading Coalition is focused on improving the ability of Northern Nevada children to read and write by the end of grade three. Comprised of multiple organizations working together to help address key issues that prevent students from being successful. Together we initiate programs and opportunities for families and students to engage in programs that help increase reading proficiency.

Committed to fostering healthier futures for patients of all income levels, Community Health Alliance (CHA) delivers comprehensive care with compassion and equity. Through a meaningful partnership with Spread the Word Nevada, CHA empowers its providers to share books with the children they serve, helping to build home libraries, spark imaginations, and inspire a lifelong love of reading. Together, they’re ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and transformative power of books.

Northern Nevada HOPES is a trusted community health partner, offering affordable, high-quality medical, behavioral health, and support services to individuals and families across our region. In collaboration with HOPES, we provide books for their youngest patients to take home, nurturing early literacy, supporting family connection, and helping build home libraries filled with stories and imagination. Together, we’re planting the seeds for a lifelong love of reading and stronger, healthier communities.