Welcome to the Lafayette Read-a-thon!

April 21-April 27, 2026

(PRIZE DISTRIBUTION AND AUTHOR VISIT, EMMA BLAND SMITH, ON FRIDAY, MAY 15th, 2026)

The Lafayette Read-a-thon is an annual event that encourages our community of readers while raising funds for our school. All students who participate receive a prize. Students who read the most minutes or raise the most money are further recognized, as are the classes with the most participation. Winners are announced after the Read-a-thon ends.

As part of the Read-a-thon, we invite a REAL author to visit our school! This special experience inspires students to read books, think about where books come from, and maybe even create their own books. We are excited to announce that this year's author visit will be with local San Francisco author and librarian, Emma Bland Smith.

Emma Bland Smith has authored many books and will host three assemblies with Lafayette Students. To Kindergarten and 1st grade, she will read her book, Claude: The True Story of a White Alligator. To 2nd and 3rd grade she will read ODIN: Dog Hero of The Fires. To 4th and 5th grade, she will read JOURNEY: The Most Famous Wolf in the West.

Please reach out with any questions: LafayetteReads@gmail.com.

Previous author visits:

Oliver Chin visited in 2025.

Nidhi Chanani visited in 2024.

Nidhi Chanani selfie with kids in background

Rob Sayegh, Jr. visited in 2023.

Contact: LafayetteReads@gmail.com.

Lafayette Read-a-thon 2026

Supporting our community of readers

Team Members