Shreveport Launches Free Reading Program for Kids and Families

Six-week initiative aims to foster love of reading and enhance literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, is launching the Prime Time Family Reading program, a six-week initiative designed to help children ages 6 to 10 and their families develop a love for reading and improve literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills. The program will feature interactive storytelling, discussions, and opportunities for families to explore essential themes like fairness, courage, and dreams in a safe and engaging environment.

Why it matters

This program aims to address the importance of early childhood literacy and provide families in the Shreveport area with free access to resources that can help develop essential skills for academic and personal success. By fostering a love of reading at a young age, the program hopes to set children up for lifelong learning and growth.

The details

The Prime Time Family Reading program will be led by deputies from the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office and will take place over six weeks, starting on March 2, 2026. Each session will include interactive storytelling, discussions, and a complimentary dinner for participating families. In addition, each child will receive award-winning books to add to their personal library. Families interested in participating can sign up by contacting Deputy Vernita Williams.

  • The program kicks off on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6 p.m.
  • The program will run for six weeks.

The players

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, that is collaborating with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities to launch the Prime Time Family Reading program.

Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities

A non-profit organization that works to promote the humanities and provide educational resources to communities across Louisiana.

Deputy Vernita Williams

A deputy with the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office who is the contact person for families interested in participating in the Prime Time Family Reading program.

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What they’re saying

“Families interested in participating are encouraged to sign up early.”

— Deputy Vernita Williams, Deputy, Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office (cenlanow.com)

What’s next

Families can sign up for the Prime Time Family Reading program by contacting Deputy Vernita Williams at vernita.williams@caddosheriff.org or calling (318) 681-0869.

The takeaway

This free reading program is an important initiative that aims to foster a love of reading and improve literacy, creativity, and critical thinking skills among children in the Shreveport community. By providing families with access to interactive storytelling, discussions, and free books, the program hopes to set children up for lifelong learning and success.