Our Story

Reading Circle was founded by Soo Wong, former TDSB School Board Trustee, in 2006. Growing up using the services of the Toronto Public Library, she gained an appreciation for what they offered and wished to give back to the community. Being a trustee of the TDSB at the time facilitated a specific interest in child literacy amongst those in Scarborough.

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This weekly, free, community-based reading program from October to May.  Reading Circle is supported by a group of dedicated high school students and local volunteers who are passionate about literacy.

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For 16 years, hundreds of local school-aged children have participated in the Reading Circle program.  It is a 90 minutes program with weekly themes (such as Remembrance Day, Family Literacy, Community Safety, Easter, Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, Chinese New Year). Local youths who volunteer at Reading Circle received their volunteer hours.  A number of our dedicated volunteers who grew up in the Reading Circle program continued to volunteer while they are in university or community college.  

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Reading Circle received continuous support from Bridlewood branch staff members of the Toronto Public Library; local agencies like Toronto Police 42 Division, Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA); and prominent community leaders like recognized historian & author Arlene Chan, Dr. Raffi Chouljian, and Lee Soda of ACSA.