Better Basics Reads 2025

Better Basics Reads is our largest annual volunteer event, mobilizing hundreds of community members in single-day events to read to more than 14,000 students across Birmingham City, Fairfield City, Bessemer City Schools, and other independent school systems.

Each pre-K through 5th-grade classroom in our 39 participating partner schools welcomes a guest reader who shares a pre-selected book aloud with students. Every child receives a copy of the book read to take home.

To make this special day possible, we need volunteers to sign up to read in a classroom. No prior experience is necessary—just a love for reading and a desire to make a difference!

📅 Sign up for an available timeslot below by selecting your preferred date. If you have any questions, please contact Susan LaDuke at sladuke@betterbasics.org.

Bessemer City Schools (May 8th)

Slots full!


Birmingham City Schools (May 1st)
Slots Full! - Fairfield City Schools (May 6)
Slots full! - Restoration Academy: (May 13th)
slots full! - I3 Academy (May 13th)
In-Office (various dates)