Over 1,300 Eastern Oregon Students Participate in Read for the Record

The Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub led the region's involvement in the global literacy event.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:00am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph depicting the hands of children turning the pages of a book, with soft, warm pools of light and color in the background, capturing the intimate and immersive experience of reading.The Read for the Record event brought together over 1,300 children in Eastern Oregon to share the joy of reading and promote early literacy.Pendleton Today

More than 1,300 children in Eastern Oregon recently participated in Read for the Record, the world's largest shared reading experience, at the Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub in Pendleton. The event engaged students across school districts, preschools, and community programs to read the same book on the same day to promote early literacy.

Why it matters

The Read for the Record event was a standout example of the Hub's work to expand early literacy initiatives in the region, which also include growing the Reach Out and Read program in medical clinics and supporting the Every Child Ready to Read program to empower parents and extend literacy learning into the home.

The details

During the Read for the Record event, 1,326 children in Eastern Oregon participated in the shared reading experience. The top contributing schools were Gib Olinger Elementary in Milton-Freewater, Sherwood Elementary in Pendleton, and Stanfield Elementary. The Hub is also increasing its early literacy efforts by adding four new sites to its Reach Out and Read program, which transforms well-child visits to provide families with early literacy education and resources.

  • The Read for the Record event took place recently.
  • The Hub aims to add four new Reach Out and Read sites this year.

The players

Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub

A partnership between InterMountain ESD and Umatilla-Morrow Head Start that focuses on early learning and K-3 alignment to support students and families as they transition into elementary school.

Tiffany Copeland

The early learning coordinator for the Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub.

Gib Olinger Elementary School

A school in Milton-Freewater that was one of the top contributors to the Read for the Record event in the region.

Sherwood Elementary School

A school in Pendleton that was one of the top contributors to the Read for the Record event in the region.

Stanfield Elementary School

A school in Stanfield that was one of the top contributors to the Read for the Record event in the region.

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What they’re saying

“Read for the Record turned out to be a standout example of our work to expand early literacy in Eastern Oregon.”

— Tiffany Copeland, Early Learning Coordinator, Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub

What’s next

The Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub plans to continue expanding its Reach Out and Read program by adding four new sites this year, further increasing access to early literacy education and resources for families in the region.

The takeaway

The Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub's successful coordination of the Read for the Record event, as well as its ongoing efforts to grow literacy initiatives like Reach Out and Read, demonstrate the organization's commitment to supporting early learning and ensuring children in Eastern Oregon have the foundation they need for lifelong success.