The Reading Circle Program was founded more than 100 years ago by the Missouri State Teacher's Association and it has encouraged countless Missouri students to discover a life-long joy in reading.

The Reading Circle Program is intended to encourage students in elementary through jr. high school to read at school and at home.

To qualify for a Reading Circle Certificate, each grade level is given a certain number of books to read:

4th Grade is required to read a total of 18 books (12 fiction / 6 non-fiction)

5th Grade is required to read a total of 20 books (13 fiction / 7 non-fiction)

6th Grade is required to read a total of 22 books (14 fiction / 8 non-fiction)

When a student qualifies for five years, the student then qualifies for a Certificate of Lifetime Membership in the Reading Circle Program.