Education Studio
Richland Library
Innovation Synopsis
Setting a new model for public libraries and serving 800 people annually, Richland Library’s Education Studio reduces learning barriers for students at significant risk of academic failure by empowering parents/caregivers and motivating students. The Education Studio offers high-quality, evidence-based books, materials, and learning games specifically designed for students with learning differences, particularly those with dyslexia. As one of the few library systems with full-time reading specialists, we offer a unique collection of decodable readers available for checkout across all 13 locations, expanding from one library location (Main) in 2024. Our Reading Specialists, trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach and the Science of Reading, design literacy programs for children from Pre-K through 8th grade and support caregivers through coaching appointments and additional educational resources. The Education Studio was named a 2025 Library of Congress Literacy Awards honoree.
Challenge/Opportunity
The need for academic intervention in South Carolina is critical. SC ranks 43rd in education in the US (Annie Casey Foundation). Many SC students, especially those living in poverty, are reading below grade level and at significant risk of being held back in 4th grade. Over 76% of students in Richland School District 1 and 52% in District 2 live in poverty. 56% of the county’s 3rd graders tested below state standards in English/Language Arts, and interventions outside of school are out of reach for many students. Over 41,800 children in SC are diagnosed with learning disabilities, and 13% of students receive special education assistance in school. A Johns Hopkins report noted by the National Summer Learning Association states that "summer learning loss during elementary school accounts for two-thirds of the reading gap between low-income children and their middle-income peers by ninth grade." This gap is significantly more pronounced for students with learning differences.
Key Elements of Innovation
Goal: Expand Education Studio services & reach. Before 2024, Education Studio resources/services took place at our Main location. Our program is unique because the library employs 3 highly trained, full-time Reading Specialists who provide services in a standalone department.
· Increased locations of Reading Skills Club, a week-long reading camp for rising 3rd graders. Partnered with Horrell Hill Elementary School, allowing us to work with students year-round & provide access to programs in this rural area.
· Increased the availability of decodable readers & educational resources - added collections in 12 additional library locations, making materials needed to improve reading skills more accessible for families. Other library systems (8 in 5 states) are taking notice & have reached out to learn about our innovative model.
· Trained staff (Dyslexia Resource Center & IMSE curriculum) to help them acclimate to the new collection and learn how to share resources with their customers.
Achieved Outcomes
·Expanded Reading Skills Club - increased the number of cohorts from 1 to 3, adding one location in an underserved area of the county for families not able to visit our downtown location. Participation increased from 12 to 36 for the week-long, intensive reading camp.
·Added a collection of decodable readers & other resources at all 13 library locations, increasing circulation by 57% and overall accessibility of resources
·New partnership with Jill Lauren at WholePhonics, who connected us with the Brooklyn Public Library as they create their own Education Studio.
·Partnered with the Reading League of SC to present at PACE Academy on dyslexia resources available at Richland Library
·Visited open houses & back-to-school nights in Richland County Schools promoting the program & distributing resources for emerging & struggling readers
·Provided services for 1,040 people during 2024-2025 through the Education Studio
·Worked with 8 library systems in SC, NC, NY, KY, & PA to share our model
