Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bezazian Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
Winter Break Pause - Office Closed
Wishing you a happy, restful, and restorative winter pause. See you in the new year!
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bezazian Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Gage Park Branch en español
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bezazian Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
Book Club Celebration
Chicago Public Library hosts a citywide Book Club Celebration! Gather up your book club and come down to Harold Washington Library Center’s Winter Garden for a celebration of reading and the joy of discussing books with others! We'll have a discussion with local authors, book-related crafts led by Chi City Craft Club, a mockTALE bar and mocktail demonstration led by UnMuddled Bartending, a volunteer fair featuring local literary and literacy focused organizations, and most excitingly, an introduction to our new service curated specifically to book clubs: The Reading Set.
Volunteer fair organizations:
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Lozano Branch en español
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bezazian Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Little Village Branch en español
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bezazian Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Chicago Lawn Branch en español
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bezazian Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library West Belmont Branch en español
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bezazian Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Back of the Yards Branch en español
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bezazian Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Vodak-East Side Branch en español
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bezazian Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
Readapalooza
Read-A-Palooza is back this fall for a second year! We’re celebrating a year of reading and joy with our community and doing it in style with a literacy celebration with something for everyone.
This year we have added some reading guests including The Lucky Trikes, and pet-related experts from One Tail at a Time, Good manners Dog Training, Chicago Bully Breed rescue, and vet tech Susan Hier, on hand in addition to our book giveaways, literacy games, TypeCast Poetry written for you on the spot, snacks, and resources!
Sponsors and partners include BCBSIL, KPMG, Chicago Public Library, Tails that Teach, Intentional Sports, By the Hand Club, Aldi, Lifeway Foods, Young, Black + Lit, and Near West Wintrust.
The Children's Book Fair of Hyde Park
Open to readers and book lovers of all ages, The Children’s Book Fair of Hyde Park is a celebration of creativity and promotes literacy in Chicago’s youth. The fair features children’s book authors and booksellers, performances, and community organizations. Kick-off the fair with the parade that starts at 11:00am!
SitStayRead is joining along to be a calm space for kids and families to relax during the fair, and learn more about who we are and what we do.
Read and Run
Calling all pups and their book-loving people! 🐾📚
We’re hitting dog-friendly local businesses in the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square area for a special dog-themed run/walk with Gateway to Learning and SitStayRead inspired by The Dog Lover’s Companion to Chicago by Margaret Littman—a book all about the best spots in the city to explore with your four-legged best friend. (Don’t worry—no prior reading required!) Opt for a three-mile run or a one-mile walk with or without your pup.
You'll also sample Barley's Biscuits, handmade dog biscuits using 100% natural ingredients including locally sourced spent grains from Chicago’s Malt Row made by participants of Gateway to Learning, a nonprofit that helps adults with intellectual disabilities and developmental challenges obtain everyday skills.
After the run, humans also get treats and snap photos at with our photographer Kyle Nowacyzk at our pup portrait station benefitting SitStayRead.
No prior reading required. This event is inspired by the book The Dog Lover’s Companion to Chicago: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog by Margaret Littman. A limited number of copies will be on sale at the event.
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training (Copy)
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
GO TEAM Dog Training
The GO TEAM Class is an intense two-day process, and includes real-life training at multiple venues to expose dogs and handlers to a variety of situations. This class is challenging, and they’ve designed it that way. Even after passing the GO TEAM class, everyone is expected to continue their dog’s education, reinforcing and practicing obedience and special commands to maintain the highest Standards. The class typically runs from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This is not required for SitStayRead volunteers, but it is a great opportunity to enroll your dog if you are a current SSR Dog Team, or interested Dog Team!
For more information and to sign up, please click here!
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
Best In Show Benefit Screening
Join SitStayRead for an evening of comedy gold with the star-studded cast of Best In Show! Meet us at the iconic Music Box Theatre on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in Chicago's vibrant Lakeview neighborhood.
Ticket sales help underwrite classroom residencies, one-time family literacy events, and get new books into kids' hands and home libraries!
General Admission tickets ($25)
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bezazian Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bezazian Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Thurgood Marshall Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
Certified Dog Team Visit at Bookie’s Bookstore
Join SitStayRead and our Certified Dog Teams at Bookie’s Bookstore for a fun and relaxed afternoon of reading!
Bring your kids to read to our Certified Reading Assistance Dogs and discover a love of books. It’s also a great chance to browse Bookie’s amazing bookstore! We’ll have all of the information aspiring volunteers might need to get involved with our programs as well!
Coffee Chat @ AndySunflower Café
You’re invited to stop by AndySunflower Café to chat with the SSR team and volunteers! This is a great time to learn more about the SSR team, ask questions as a new or active volunteer, or just get to know some new faces!
You’re also encouraged to stop by Bookie's Bookstore (5 minute walk) to find a new read!
Interested in joining? Email volunteer@sitstayread.org.
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Bucktown - Wicker Park Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library
Have you ever wanted to read aloud to a dog? Kids can come practice their reading skills with Certified Reading Assistance Dogs! Join the dogs from SitStayRead at Chicago Public Library Logan Square Branch in fun activities to promote the importance of reading and build confidence reading aloud.
Virtual Volunteer Orientation & Training
Interested in volunteering with SitStayRead? Attend our Virtual Volunteer Orientation!
Our orientation and training cover everything from our mission to who we are, where we serve, the types of volunteers we use, and more! This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about SitStayRead.
Here’s how to join:
Please click here to learn more about our types of volunteers and requirements.
As you scroll, click the button on our application to let us know you’re interested in volunteering.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a follow-up email with details to sign up for the Virtual Volunteer Orientation and Training.
Questions? Please email volunteer@sitstayread.org for help!
Certified Dog Team Visit at Bookie’s Bookstore
Join SitStayRead and our Certified Dog Teams at Bookie’s Bookstore for a fun and relaxed afternoon of reading!
Bring your kids to read to our Certified Reading Assistance Dogs and discover a love of books. It’s also a great chance to browse Bookie’s amazing bookstore! We’ll have all of the information aspiring volunteers might need to get involved with our programs as well!