Episode 111: Rethinking Literacy Through Community Collaboration

Episode Summary:

What if libraries played a central role in transforming literacy instruction? In this Changemaker Voices episode, Jenny Emery Davidson shares how a rural community library became a hub for science-of-reading-aligned professional learning, teacher collaboration, and joyful literacy advocacy. This conversation will inspire educators and leaders to rethink how communities can help build a true social fabric of literacy.

Guest

Jenny Emery Davidson
Executive Director, The Community Library (Ketchum, Idaho)

Topics Discussed

• Libraries as community-based literacy leaders
• Supporting teachers through collaboration, not mandates
• Professional learning grounded in the science of reading
• Literacy access and equity in rural communities
• Creating joyful, meaningful learning experiences for educators and students
• Building a “social fabric of literacy” beyond schools

Organizations & Programs Mentioned

• The Community Library (Ketchum, ID)
  https://comlib.org
• The Community Library Literacy Summit
  A multi-day professional learning experience for Idaho educators focused on the science of reading and literacy instruction
  https://comlib.org/literacy-summit
• University of Idaho (Moscow, ID)
  https://www.uidaho.edu

Scholars & Literacy Leaders Referenced

• Dr. Louisa Moats https://www.louisamoats.com
• Dr. Anita Archer https://explicitinstruction.org
• Dr. Carol Tolman https://drcaroltolman.com/
• Dr. Antonio Fierro https://readinguniverse.org/contributor/antonio-fierro-edd?page=1
• Dr. Sally Brown (College of Idaho) https://collegeofidaho.edu/people/sally-brown/

Books & Resources Mentioned

• Speech to Print – Louisa Moats https://products.brookespublishing.com/Speech-to-Print-P1167.aspx
• Idaho Dyslexia Handbook
  https://www.sde.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Idaho-Dyslexia-Handbook.pdf
• Sold a Story (Podcast by Emily Hanford)
  https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story

▶️ Watch the full conversation on YouTube. https://youtu.be/6GOksQx4vt4

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a colleague or community leader—and consider how your own community might help build a stronger social fabric of literacy.

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