Riverbend Reading Club is a free program dedicated to enhancing literacy skills among youth. Our primary goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for students in grades 1st - 4th, helping them build their literacy competency.

To achieve this, we utilize the highly effective Fountas and Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention curriculum. Each reading session lasts approximately 45 minutes and is designed to support children who are currently reading below grade level and need additional help to improve their reading skills.

Students are placed in small reading groups of no more than 5 children, based on their reading levels, to ensure personalized attention and effective instruction. The Riverbend Reading Club will operate Mondays to Thursdays, from approximately 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The program will start Monday November 18th, 2024 - Thursday May 15th, 2025. 

By popular demand, all students will now participate at the YWCA reading site. We ask that all parents contact their child’s school to arrange for bus drop-off directly to YWCA afterschool before the program begins.

For families residing in Oakwood or Alton Acres:
The Alton Housing Authority will provide transportation home for your child at the end of the program for residents of these areas.

For families not residing in Oakwood or Alton Acres:
A parent or guardian will need to pick up their child at the end of the program.

After registering your child, you will receive a release form via email from YWCA staff. Parents should sign this form and return it by either emailing it to programs@ywcaswil.org or dropping it off at the YWCA. This form grants us access to student reading levels and scores from the Alton School District, which we use to guide group placement and monitor progress.  

Thank you for your cooperation and support in making this a successful experience for all students!