Welcome to the Alameda County Reading Association

We are an association of teachers and other interested individuals who work to increase the literacy abilities of children through school and community experiences. We examine research about best practices and spread the word through events and conferences each year.

What can you do to support ACRA? 

  • renew your membership,
  • invite new members to join,
  • post our program flyers & help us get the word out,
  • come to the programs and share what you learn

If we each do a small part, we will reach our goal of literacy for all.

50 Years of ACRA!

The International Reading Association (our parent association) was founded January 1, 1956.  Our Alameda County Reading Association was chartered in December of 1961 as the Southern Alameda-Contra Costa Council of IRA.  Dr. Walter J. McHugh of California State University, Hayward was instrumental in organizing the group, but never assumed the presidency.  Dr. Henry Bamman from the Sacramento Area Council installed Woods Peters as our first president and Paul Williamson as the President-elect.

The California Reading Association was founded in 1965.  In November 1966 a separate Contra Costa County Council was established, and we became the Alameda County Council of the International Reading Association (ACC/IRA).  In December 1988 the name of our organization was officially changed to the Alameda County Reading Association (ACRA).

The mission of ACRA is to help promote literacy locally, nationally, and internationally.  The major goals and purposes of ACRA are: (1) to promote and disseminate information on reading and language arts research, legislation, trends, and instruction to ACRA members and the general public; (2) to promote communication and cooperation among all individuals concerned with reading instruction and improvement at all educational levels; and (3) to support the purposes of the California Reading Association and the International Reading Association.

In the years since 1961 we have had fifty dedicated Presidents, Executive Boards, and many loyal, supportive members.   We have provided professional opportunities for future educators and council members, presented informative programs and community literacy projects, and have contributed to worldwide literacy.  We have become an IRA Honor Council for 28 years as well as being on the IRA Membership Honor Roll.

We thank all our Past Presidents, members of our past and present Executive Boards, and all our members for their loyal support through the years.   

Happy 50th Birthday to ACRA