What is Rhoda Reads?

Rhoda Reads™   
Rhoda Reads™ is an early literacy program designed especially for Rotarians to engage in the development of our youngest community learners at the most opportune time – when they are ages 0-5.  Learning to read is a major foundational skill that strongly correlates with both academic and vocational success.  With the Rhoda Reads™ program, we provide training to our Rotarians on early childhood development, and then equip each Rotarian participant with a Rhoda Reads™ Tool Kit which includes a variety of books for children up to age 5 as well as an adorable stuffed owl named Rhoda (our program mascot).  Rotarians are then matched with a local early childcare provider which they will regularly visit and spend time reading to children 0-5 years of age.  Rhoda Reads™ has also been expanded to include a Tool Kit for elementary-aged kids. 

Rotary Clubs - click here to download a FREE copy of our Rhoda Reads™ implementation guide.  We are also happy to present the Rhoda Reads™ program to your Rotary Club via Zoom. 

Rhoda's Rescue -  Rotary Club of Waterville contracted with Pulitzer Prize-winning Maine children's book author Barbara Walsh to write “Rhoda’s Rescue” - our own children’s book featuring Rhoda the Owl teaching her fellow woodland creatures about the ideals of Rotary.  Illustrations are done by Abby Grieg.  The books are available for purchase, and the proceeds go back into our Club's Charitable account to support the program. Click here for an order form.