Episode Description
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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