Families In Schools Launches Read LA! Bookmobile to Expand Literacy Access Across Los Angeles County

LOS ANGELES, CA, June 22, 2026 — As Los Angeles continues to confront a literacy crisis, Families In Schools (FIS) today launched the Read LA! Bookmobile, a new mobile literacy hub designed to bring free books, bilingual Storytimes, and family-friendly literacy resources directly to children and families across Los Angeles County.

Reading proficiently by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success and long-term opportunity. Yet too many children lack access to books and literacy opportunities outside of school. In the Los Angeles Unified School District, just 4 in 10 third-grade students are reading on grade level. Through Read LA!, Families In Schools is mobilizing Angelenos around a shared goal: ensuring that at least 7 in 10 children are reading on grade level by third grade by 2030.

“Every child deserves books at home,” said Yolie Flores, President and CEO, Families In Schools. “For too many families, access to books depends on where they live. Through Read LA!, we’re mobilizing communities to change that by bringing high-quality books, literacy resources, and the joy of reading directly to children and families.”

Across Los Angeles County, many children live in neighborhoods known as “book deserts,” where access to books and literacy resources is limited. In some communities, children may have access to as few as one book for every 100 to 300 children.

“The Read LA! Bookmobile represents what this campaign is all about—meeting families where they are and making sure children have the books and support they need to become strong readers,” said Olga Corona De La Cruz, Senior Campaign Director, Families In Schools. “By bringing books directly into neighborhoods, we’re helping families build home libraries, create reading routines, and inspire a lifelong love of reading.”

As a mobile extension of the Read LA! campaign, the Read LA! Bookmobile will visit schools, parks, community centers, clinics, and neighborhood events throughout Los Angeles County, helping children build home libraries, strengthen reading habits, and develop a lifelong love of reading.

The Bookmobile itself has a unique origin story. Following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, San Diego residents Mary and Johnny Randel used their own bookmobile to distribute books to children who had lost beloved books and home libraries. During those relief efforts, they connected with Families In Schools staff who were also leading Storytimes and providing books to impacted families. Inspired by a shared commitment to children’s literacy, Mary and Johnny generously donated the vehicle to Families In Schools so it could continue serving children and families throughout Los Angeles County.

The Read LA! Bookmobile was unveiled during a launch celebration at Madison Elementary School in Pasadena, where students participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, received free books, and had an opportunity to explore the mobile literacy hub.

Through the Read LA! Bookmobile, Families In Schools is igniting a love of reading across Los Angeles. As the Bookmobile hits the road this summer, it will help families keep children engaged in reading and combat the “summer slide”—learning loss that can occur when students are out of school and have limited access to books and educational activities. The summer tour marks the beginning of the Bookmobile’s year-round journey across Los Angeles County, with visits planned throughout the school year to schools, community events, and neighborhoods where children and families can benefit from greater access to books and literacy resources.

The Read LA! Bookmobile is Families In Schools’ latest addition to its Read LA! Campaign, which also includes its Literacy Ambassador leadership program, the Read LA! App, and statewide policy efforts to improve reading instruction in schools across California.

Families and community members are encouraged to learn more about upcoming Read LA! Bookmobile stops by visiting https://familiesinschools.org/read-la.