USO Reading Program

The USO Reading Program is largely driven by virtual, on-demand storytime offerings that will help the USO extend its reach and connect military families around the globe through reading. The USO Reading Program focuses on:

• Bringing storytime on-demand around the globe. Service members are able to read a bedtime story to their children or grandchildren even when they are physically separated from the children for any reason. Service members can visit a participating USO location, record themselves reading their child’s favorite story, and have that recording and book shipped home.
• Helping military kids stay connected through reading. Recognizing the challenges military children often face when dealing with separation, USO Reading Program makes it possible for military kids to add a new book to their own library and share storytime with someone they love by recording themselves reading and sending that recording on to the child’s special loved one.
• Supporting local reading programs in many USO locations around the world. Local reading programs are designed to serve the unique needs of each military community. For some locations, the USO Reading Program gives military spouses dealing with a loved one’s deployment a chance to spend some time with other families in similar situations. Other program events encourage kids to use their creativity and complete a craft that complements a story’s theme.

Deployed Indiana Service Member that utilized the USO Reading Program before deployment:
“I was told my kids absolutely loved it and just grinned the whole time! They watch it 10-20 times a day now apparently.”