The History of Reading Special Interest Group, founded in 1975, is the oldest and largest professional organization to:

1. encourage historical research in the field of reading and literacy;
2. provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the history of reading and literacy instruction; and
3. promote the development of a body of historical knowledge about reading and literacy.

It serves an international membership of 100 college and university professors, independent scholars, students, archivists, public historians, governmental and agency officials, and institutional subscribers such as libraries, museums, and historical societies. The Special Interest Group (SIG) is affiliated with the International Reading Association (IRA), which has members and affiliates in 99 countries, representing more than 90,000 literacy professionals in the North America and 350,000 worldwide.

History of Reading NewsletterAll members receive a paper version of the biannual History of Reading News, which offers timely news of the organization; profiles of key figures in the field; book reviews; information on grants and fellowships; opportunities in the profession; and articles on the history of literacy.

Annual MeetingAll members are eligible to submit papers for peer review and presentation at the SIG’s annual meeting session, held in conjunction with the International Reading Association’s conference each May.

Resources OnlineAll members have access to the SIG’s website for locating book reviews, new articles, dissertations, and others doing work on the history of reading and literacy. (http://www.historyliteracy.org)

AdvocacyAll members can participate in SIG-designed activities to advance the teaching, study, and dissemination of information on the history of reading and literacy.

Awards and PrizesAll members can nominate dissertations, articles, and books for awards and prizes sponsored by the SIG and IRA that recognize the achievements by historians in a wide variety of disciplines and settings.

Note: Membership runs from May 1 through April 30. Members who are not members of the International Reading Association (http://www.reading.org) receive all the benefits listed above, but are ineligible to stand for office or vote.

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We need your help in our effort to meet the purpose of our SIG. Your support is vital. Please renew or join now!

On-Line Membership Form PDF Download To view the on-line membership form, you'll need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Print this form and mail with dues to

Dixie Massey

20330 190th Avenue East

Orting, WA 98360

(ddmassey@comcast.net)