Frequently Asked Questions

Adults who have some availability during regular school hours (8:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) can become Bookleggers. The main qualifications are a love of reading and a desire to share that love with children. There are no educational prerequisites or financial requirements. Books used for volunteering are available for checkout from the Alameda County Library.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not accepting new Bookleggers or visiting classrooms. 

In Fremont, Bookleggers visit elementary school classrooms, grades 2 to 5. In Castro Valley, Bookleggers visit elementary school classrooms, grades K to 5. The number of classrooms each semester depends on each school district’s needs.

During training, class time is 2.5 to 3 hours weekly, and homework time is about the same. After training, the time commitment varies depending on the grade level and school district.

Bookleggers indicate their preferences for grade level and school sites. The volunteer coordinators make every effort to honor those preferences.

There is a select list of books that the Library stocks in abundance for the Bookleggers to use. Bookleggers have a wide variety to choose from within this list but are not permitted to use books outside of the list. The books for this list are chosen based on recommendations by library staff, volunteers, teachers, and families. The Booklegger list does not focus on books that children might already know, like award winners, best-sellers, or classroom classics. Instead, Booklegger books focus on great stories, unique characters, and diverse appeal.

Kids love Bookleggers! Families frequently come to the library right after a Booklegger has visited to get the books that were shared. We hear from students who felt like readers for the first time after a Booklegger visited, or who tried a new genre and were surprised to find they loved it!

Training takes about 6 weeks. Each class is about 2.5 to 3 hours long. For more specifics please contact the Fremont or Castro Valley Booklegger coordinators.

The Booklegger training class assumes nothing — all the skills necessary to be able to make an exciting classroom presentation are taught! We'll teach you effective methods of storytelling, how to booktalk, how to use props if you should choose to do so, how to mix genres, what books are effective at which grade levels, how to work with gifted readers, reluctant readers, and readers functioning below grade level. For several sessions, we have experienced guest speakers to give their tips and expert advice for successful booklegging. We'll have you practice your new skills in the training class and you'll be able to visit actual classrooms full of kids!