This session invites K–8 educators to explore how schools and classrooms can serve as powerful bridges to lifelong reading. Together, we’ll examine what makes a strong reading community, how students develop their reading identities, and why those identities matter for engagement and learning. You’ll learn simple, high-impact strategies to help students see themselves as readers and feel connected to books and each other. Participants will leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas to strengthen reading culture across classrooms and school communities.