College of Education & Human Services

Reading Center

Mission Statement

The mission of the Western Illinois University Reading Center is to provide essential services in reading and related areas which otherwise may not be readily available to the population which the Reading Center serves.

About Us

The Reading Center is located in Horrabin Hall, room 46, on the Western Illinois University campus in Macomb. During regular fall and spring semesters, the Reading Center serves students in public and private schools in west central Illinois, as well as individuals in west central Illinois who may not be currently enrolled as students. Most commonly, referrals to the Reading Center come from teachers, parents, school administrators, school reading specialists, and Western Illinois University faculty, but individuals may also contact the Reading Center for services.

Our Services

The School of Education at Western Illinois University offers a variety of services through the Reading Center, including:

  • assessment services in reading and related areas
  • consultation and staff development services for public and private school teachers, administrators, and members of the WIU community
  • check out services of materials to students and faculty in the School of Education
  • tutoring services through the America Reads Challenge tutoring program at several area elementary schools (WIU students serve as tutors in this after school program.)

The Reading Center also engages in research related to literacy.

America Reads

The Reading Center facilitates the nationwide America Reads program. The goal of the America Reads program is for each child in America to be able to read independently by the third grade. The university has a team of coordinators and tutors who assist Macomb students, from prekindergarten through 6th grade, to improve their reading skills.

WIU students serve as tutors for this after school program. Tutors perform one-on-one work with individual students, group work, and class activities.

For more information about the America Reads Program, call (309) 298-2849 or email Americareads@wiu.edu.

Contact Information:

Dr. Melissa Stinnett
School of Education
Western Illinois University
Horrabin Hall 54
1 University Circle
Macomb, Il 61455
309-298-2033
M-Stinnett@wiu.edu