Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom 2026
About this Event
In a world where attention is fleeting and stories compete with screens, what does it really take to build a lasting culture of reading for children, at school, at home, and everywhere in between?
Join us in Portland for a powerful, free, community-driven event designed to address the need to rekindle kids' love for literacy, equipping the parents, educators, and librarians in their lives with transformative tools to make reading joyful, meaningful, and transformative.
Presented in partnership with Barnes & Noble Clackamas Town Center and SMART Reading.
FEATURED AUTHORS
- Tony Buttino Sr.—Emmy Award-Winning Co-Creator of Reading Rainbow
- Aron Nels Steinke—Eisner Award-Winning Author & Creator of the Mr. Wolf's Class Graphic Novel Series (published by Scholastic)
- Amelie Anastasia—12-Year-Old Philanthropist & Children's Author
- Dr. Julie McDonnell, EdD—Retired Educator & Award-Winning Children's Author
- E.C. Sherman, PhD—Retired Educator & Award-Winning Creator of the Friesian and Friends series
EVENT CO-HOSTS & PANEL CO-MODERATORS
- David Newell—the beloved Mr. McFeely on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
- John Masiulionis—Manager of PR From The Heart & Award-Winning Children's Author
EVENT OVERVIEW
Now celebrating its fourth year, and coming to Portland, Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom comes at a time when fostering literacy, connection, and confidence in youth has never been more important.
At a time when literacy, attention, and student confidence are all being challenged, this conversation is more important than ever.
This one-day experience brings together leading voices in children’s literature to explore how stories can help children see themselves and others, navigate emotions, build empathy, and grow into confident, curious learners.
Through immersive storytime, thoughtful discussion, and interactive engagement, this event is designed to support the parents, educators, and librarians shaping the next generation, offering both inspiration and practical tools to bring reading to life in today’s world.
Hosted at Barnes & Noble Clackamas Town Center, the event features two distinct yet complementary sessions designed for different audiences.
Early registration is encouraged.
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
You can register for one or both experiences:
📖 Morning Experience (Children + Families)
- Interactive Author Storytime | Meet & Greet | Book Signing
🎤 Afternoon Experience (Educators, Librarians & Community)
- Author Panel + Interactive Q&A | Meet & Greet | Book Signing
Many attendees choose to stay for the full day to experience both the family-centered and literacy-focused programming.
🎟️ Each session is limited to 100 attendees.
From immersive storytime to panel discussions, interactive Q&A, and author meet & greets, the day is designed to move from inspiration to practical application.
TWO UNIQUE EVENT EXPERIENCES
📖 Morning Experience: Family Storytime + Author Meet & Greet
Time: 11am - 1pm
Curated for: Families, parents, and children of all ages
A special author-led storytime experience designed to spark imagination, connection, and joy through reading.
- Hear live readings from celebrated children’s authors
- Engage with stories that spark imagination and emotional growth
- Experience reading as a shared, meaningful activity
- Meet authors and enjoy personalized book signings
🎤 Afternoon Experience: Author Panel + Interactive Q&A
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Curated for: Educators, librarians, and literacy advocates
This engaging conversation goes beyond a traditional panel, bringing together leading voices in children’s literature to explore the real challenges and opportunities shaping literacy today.
During this dynamic conversation, we’ll explore:
- Practical strategies to build a culture of reading in today’s classrooms
- How storytelling supports social-emotional learning and student confidence
- The importance of diverse and inclusive representation in books, helping children see themselves and others
- How to inspire engagement, empathy, and lifelong reading habits
Following the panel, attendees will engage in an interactive Q&A, followed by a meet & greet and book signing.
You’ll leave with practical strategies, fresh perspective, and renewed clarity on how to bring reading to life in your classroom or community.
🎁 EARLY REGISTRATION BONUS
The first 50 pre-registered attendees of each experience will receive a free children’s book, courtesy of PR From The Heart.
WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH
For Families & Parents:
- Simple, meaningful ways to make reading a joyful part of everyday life
- Tools to support your child’s confidence, curiosity, and emotional growth
For Educators:
- Practical strategies to increase reading engagement in today’s classrooms
- New approaches to integrating literacy with social-emotional learning
For Librarians & Literacy Leaders:
- Fresh ideas to foster inclusive, community-centered reading experiences
- Insight into how diverse storytelling supports connection and belonging
For Everyone:
- Inspiration to help children read, dream, and lead
- Meaningful connections with authors and fellow attendees
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- Families and parents
- Teachers (K-8)
- School librarians
- Literacy specialists & curriculum leaders
- Education advocates & community members passionate about children’s literacy
Whether you’re supporting a child at home, in the classroom, or in your community, this event is designed to meet you where you are.
This event is open to educators, families, and all who believe in the power of story to change lives.
EVENT DETAILS
Saturday, August 8th (from 11am - 4pm)
Barnes & Noble Clackamas Town Center, Portland, OR
Free event (registration required)
REGISTER NOW
Spots are limited for each experience.
Reserve your space today and be part of a powerful, Portland-driven movement to inspire the next generation of readers.
Don’t miss this meaningful, action-oriented event designed to transform how we think about literacy, and how we show up for the next generation.
About PR From The Heart
PR From The Heart is a leading public relations firm dedicated to supporting children’s authors and storytellers in sharing meaningful stories that inspire, educate, and connect.
Founded by John Masiulionis, PR From The Heart has spent over a decade helping KidLit creators build powerful platforms and expand their reach, working with both emerging and nationally recognized authors to bring impactful stories to life.
At its core, PR From The Heart believes in the power of storytelling to shape how children see themselves and the world around them. Through events like Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom, the organization brings together authors, educators, families, and communities to spark connection, foster empathy, and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Beyond live events, PR From The Heart also amplifies stories through platforms like The Children’s Books Spotlight Series and The Neighborly Reviews Bookcast, connecting families, educators, and librarians with trusted recommendations, practical reading resources, and some of the most respected storytellers in the world of children's literature.
About SMART Reading
SMART Reading is a children’s literacy nonprofit serving students in Oregon’s highest-need schools and most underserved communities.
Through shared reading time and access to books, SMART helps children build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and develop a lifelong love of reading, while creating meaningful opportunities for community members to make a direct impact.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
