The Little Red Reading House

Located in Inglewood, Calgary, the Little Red Reading House is a community-based branch of UCalgary's Owerko Centre

Reading is the basis of all learning and families play a critical role in a child’s learning capacity. When children learn to communicate and read early, they are more likely to enjoy better overall health and wellness outcomes. The Little Red Reading House provides a space for families to explore books of all kinds and enjoy the magic of reading together.

Founded by Calgary Reads, the Little Red Reading House was gifted to the Owerko Centre at the University of Calgary, with support from the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. While continuing to welcome children and caregivers for visits, the house also creates unique opportunities for families to engage with UCalgary researchers, students and partners to explore child health topics.

It supports healthy early development

Daily play and book reading with an adult help protect against child developmental delay, late talking, and social-emotional delays.

It sets children up for success

Literacy skills predict better health outcomes, decreased poverty, greater community engagement, and decreased incarceration.

It helps with healthy aging

Literacy experience protects against memory decline in healthy aging.

Explore the Little Red Reading House

Families are invited to book a visit to the house to explore rows of books and fun reading areas. Every child who visits gets to pick out a book to take home and keep.

Visit Little Red Reading House's website

The house provides a space for families to explore the magic of reading together, but its impact extends beyond its walls. Through the Book Bank and the Little Red Reading Van, the team connects with children and families across the community and gives out thousands of books each year.