Independent reading is a necessary adjunct to a school reading program. If caried out with commitment, it can greatly influence students' lifetime reading habits. Unfortunately, today's educators are so involved with reading instruction and competency testing that independent or recreational reading may become a lost art. This paper asserts that principals should be directly involved in providing staff development, supporting the link between independent and creative reading, promoting schoolwide efforts, and being realistic about how to proceed. In one plan, blocks of independent reading time are spaced throughout the school year in a variety of subjects. For this plan to succeed, classrooms must be organized as circulating minilibraries. Teachers must serve as reading models while students are reading silently. Teachers can also vary the routine by reading aloud sections of an interesting book, motivating individuals to discuss their books, or encouraging students to serve as journalists for a classroom newspaper. Commitment to such a plan suggests the need for an administrator who is knowlegeable, has courage, and relates well to teachers. Although the principal's leadership is not a panacea, it can significantly affect our society's future literacy. Included are nine references. (MLH)