Reading Ready Pittsburgh partners with childcare programs and community organizations to offer literacy programs to foster a love of reading with Pittsburgh's youngest readers. Reading Ready Pittsburgh supporting families to foster a love of reading To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Reading Ready Pittsburgh believes in the power of family book sharing to ensure all children are ready to thrive in school. By increasing access to books and encouraging significant family engagement, we work to guarantee that all families have the tools and resources they need to support their children. All children deserve full book shelves. More than 326,000 books given away to date! What We Do B is f or Books Free C hildren's B o okst o re Raising a Reader Dolly Parton's Imagination Library ParentPowered Community Outreach Little Giveaway Libraries Deon's Story Deon, a former professional football player turned early literacy advocate, shares his story about learning how to read as an adult so he could be a part of his daughter's own journey of reading. Our Recent News 2026 Breastfeeding Friendly Place Award! Reading Ready Pittsburgh was recognized for demonstrating how small organizations can make a meaningful difference for breastfeeding families. By providing a clean, welcoming lactation space and creating an environment where nursing parents feel comfortable, Reading Ready Pittsburgh shows that breastfeeding-friendly practices are within reach for organizations of all sizes. "At Reading Ready Pittsburgh, we believe that creating a welcoming environment means making room for the whole family," said Mary Denison, PhD, Executive Director of Reading Ready Pittsburgh. "Supporting breastfeeding parents is one practical way we can show families that they belong here. You do not need to be a large organization to make a difference. Sometimes it is simply about listening, being thoughtful and making sure people have what they need." 1/3 Dells Ice Cream Storytime A HUMONGOUS thank you to Dell's Sundae Grill for hosting Reading Ready Pittsburgh's ice cream story time and free book fair event this past Saturday. Tons of families came through, and, of course, lots ice cream was enjoyed thanks to their very generous donation. Be sure to give them tons of support before the end of the season! 1/3 Bilingual Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Books Get this! DPIL launched their bilingual English/Spanish option in California in June 2023 and now are now expanding into all remaining states in the USA! If you are currently enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, you can switch to the fully bilingual English-Spanish program. Click here to find out how! 1/1 Mary's Essay in Kidsburgh Our inspired and inspiring Executive Director, Mary Denison, recently wrote a wonderful op-ed about the importance of early literacy and barrier-free access to books, and it was just published on Kidsburgh. You can read it right here! 1/1 Little Library Painting We recently had 4 teens and 3 counselors from 6th Presbyterian Church in East Liberty come down to Homestead to help refresh a couple little free libraries and wrap some birthday books. Thank you all so much for your time and effort! We hope to have you back soon for a couple more service projects. 1/4 Penguin Day at the Bookstore Tons of fun this last Saturday for our penguin day! Lottie the penguin was just as curious and excited as all the children present who got to learn all about how rangers use their expertise to protect penguins. Thanks for coming out, friends. 1/8 DPIL Campaign Kickoff We had a special kickoff for the “Imagine Free Books for All Children” project, a campaign for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library expansion in the City of Pittsburgh today at Phillips Rec Center in Carrick. Our Executive Director, Mary Denison, spoke as well as Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor; First Lady Katie O'Connor; councilman Bobby Wilson; Kathy Buechel, Executive Director of The Benter Foundation; Lauren Wirt, regional director of the Dollywood Foundation; and Keya Lowry, one of Reading Ready Pittsburgh’s board members and the mother of a former Imagination Library enrollee. Together we can ensure that EVERY Pittsburgh child has the opportunity to grow up surrounded by books. If you have children under the age of 5, make sure they’re enrolled in DPIL. If you don’t have children yourself, talk about the program with your family, with your friends, with your coworkers, with your neighbors, and even with the person behind you in line at the grocery store. 1/9 Blue Bag Events 2026 BLUE. BAG. CELEBRATIONS. We've had so many this year! If you are unfamiliar, our blue bag events are for when our kids graduate out of the Raising a Reader program in their pre-K. They get signed up for a library card, have a little party, and receive a blue bag for all their future library trips and checked out books. 1/6

Reading Ready Pittsburgh's guiding council of local families, business owners, and stakeholders. Early Literacy Community Council Reading Ready Pittsburgh knows that we are stronger together. That's why we're bringing together community members who are passionate about early literacy to create a literacy dream world. The Early Literacy Community Council is guided by its mission of working to develop a strong early literacy foundation for families in the Mon Valley and to foster a literary community where everyone can succeed. The Early Literacy Community Council is comprised of parents, community members, librarians, and other professionals who want to make an impact on early literacy in the Mon Valley. Together, we’ve determined four priorities: Increasing access to books Providing parent support around early literacy Developing creative partnerships and collaborations Communicating the benefits of literacy for babies and small children Members: Abby Duval Terri Banks Pam Calfo Daye Campbell Holly Cherpak Megan Chips Kate Coluccio Mary Denison Sophia Garbos Kennethia Harris Lynne Hughes Chardaé Jones Lynn Kawaratani DaMarra King Kathy Koltas Barrie Lang Carl Lewis Markeya Lowry Joelisa McDonald Stephanie McGuigan Mark Sepe Gigi Stephens Stefanie Wielkopolan Valerie Williams Hannah Zibert Contact Megan at megan@readingreadypittsburgh.org for more information.

Read about Reading Ready Pittsburgh in the news. RRP Previous Newsletters 2026 2025 2024 2023 January February March July August September April May June January February March April May June July August September October November December January February March April May June July August September October November December January February March April May June July August September October November December

Read about Reading Ready Pittsburgh in the news. Reading Ready Pittsburgh in the News Check out the links below to see some newsworthy items about our organization 2026 What Germany’s ‘school cone’ tradition can teach us about childhood literacy (Public Source) How Dolly Parton's Imagination Library makes a difference in Pittsburgh (CBS News / Talk Pittsburgh) You can help spread the word: Free books are available for all local kids under 5 (Kidsburgh) How Your Child Can Receive Free Books, Courtesy of Dolly Parton (Pittsburgh Magazine) Announcement Expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (City of Pittsburgh) Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program to expand in Pittsburgh, boosting kids’ access to books (WPXI) Pittsburgh expands efforts to get free books to kids (KDKA) 2025 Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh brings community together for Children's Literacy Summit (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Books and beyond: Screen-free ways to build early literacy at home (Kidsburgh) Reading Ready Pittsburgh helps kids and parents develop a love of books (KDKA) 2024 9 Unique Things to Do in Pittsburgh, PA: Add These To Your Steel City Itinerary (RentBlog.) Reading Ready Pittsburgh: this local nonprofit offers free books for kids, story times and more (Kidsburgh) Free Children’s Bookstore Opens in Pittsburgh (Publishers Weekly) Reading Ready Pittsburgh turns a new page with B is for Books (NEXTpittsburgh) What Makes Pittsburgh’s B is for Books Store Special? (Pittsburgh Magazine) Reading Ready Pittsburgh hosts open house at free children's bookstore, "B For Books" (KDKA) B is for Books: local bookstore offering free books to help increase literacy (WPXI-TV) Nonprofit Reading Ready Pittsburgh opens free bookstore for kids (90.5 WESA) B is for Books, a free children’s bookstore, aims to boost literacy and joy for young readers (PGH City Paper) Dolly Parton Imagination Library expands Western Pa. footprint (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) 2023 Dolly Parton's Imagination Library returns to Pittsburgh (WTAE-TV) Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sending free books to Pittsburgh kids (NEXTpittsburgh)

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Upcoming Events with Reading Ready Pittsburgh Upcoming Events For questions about events, email mark@readingreadypittsburgh.org 1/4

Get free children's books sent to your home every month through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and Reading Ready Pittsburgh! La biblioteca imaginaria de Dolly Parton Imagina libros gratis para todos los niños La biblioteca imaginaria de Dolly Parton está disponible en la region de Pittsburgh. A través de este programa, cada niño de su hogar menor de cinco años puede recibir un libro gratuito, de alta calidad y adecuado para su edad cada mes, desde su nacimiento hasta que cumpla cinco años. El programa está disponible para para todos los residentes de la ciudad de Pittsburgh, así como para quienes viven en otros 20 códigos postales fuera de la ciudad, y se irán incorporando más comunidades con el tiempo. Ciudad de Pittsburgh Regístrese aquí ¿No sabe si vive dentro de los límites de la ciudad? ¡Consúltelo aquí! Inscríbase aquí (si no es de Pittsburgh) Haz clic aquí para comprobar si cumples los requisitos fuera de los límites de la ciudad. Al inscribirse en este programa, usted puede: • Crear tu biblioteca en casa • Cultivar el amor por la lectura • Inspira la imaginación de tu hijo • ¿Se imaginas algo mejor? ¿Qué es la Imagination Library de Dolly Parton? La biblioteca imaginaria de Dolly Parton es un programa de donación de libros que envía por correo libros gratuitos de alta calidad a niños desde el nacimiento hasta los cinco años, independientemente de los ingresos de sus familias. Al inscribirse, cada mes se enviará directamente a su domicilio un libro nuevo, cuidadosamente seleccionado, dirigido a su hijo. El primer libro es siempre el clásico cuento infantil La pequeña locomotora que sí pudo . ¿Quiénes reúnen los requisitos? Niños menores de cinco años que residen en un código postal elegible. Una vez determinada tu región, haz clic en el botón "regístrate aquí" de arriba para saber si cumples con los requisitos. ¿Cuáles son mis responsabilidades? Su papel en todo esto es súper sencillo: Presente un formulario de inscripción oficial, debidamente cumplimentado por el adulto autorizado. Notifique a "Reading Ready Pittsburgh" cada vez que cambie de dirección. ¡Lee con tu hijo y diviértete! ¿Cuándo puedo esperar recibir los libros? Entre ocho y diez semanas después de que se reciba su formulario de inscripción, los libros comenzarán a llegar a su domicilio a razón de uno por mes. Seguirá recibiendo un libro al mes hasta que su hijo cumpla cinco años o usted se mude fuera del área de cobertura. ¡Vamos camino a lograr nuestro objetivo! Tenemos la misión de impulsar la participación de los niños inscritos en la biblioteca imaginaria de Dolly Parton. Nuestro objetivo es inscribir a 9.100 niños elegibles dentro de los límites de la ciudad de Pittsburgh, lo que representa el 65 % de la inscripción total. ¡Nos estamos acercando! Ayúdanos a alcanzar nuestra meta contándoles a todos tus conocidos sobre este programa increíble. Actualmente inscrito en PGH City Limits 4,900 ¿Necesita recursos para la inscripción? ¡Haz clic en el botón de abajo para obtener folletos y hojas de inscripción! Haz clic para descargar DPIL en cifras a partir del 4 de agosto de 2026 Inscripción en Pittsburgh 4,900 Inscripción fuera del PGH 4,308 Total de libros enviados por correo 462,135

Get free children's books sent to your home every month through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and Reading Ready Pittsburgh! Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (Página web en español) Imagine free books for all children Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available in the Pittsburgh region. Through this program, each child in your home under the age of five can receive one free, high-quality, age-appropriate book each month from birth to their fifth birthday. The program is available to all City of Pittsburgh residents, as well as those living in 20 additional zip codes outside the city, with more communities being added over time. CITY OF PITTSBURGH REGISTER HERE Not sure if you live within city limits? Check here! NON-PITTSBURGH REGISTER HERE To see if you qualify outside of city limits, click here! By enrolling in this program, you can: • Build your at-home library • Grow a love for reading • Inspire your child’s imagination • Can you even imagine anything better? What is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library? Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income. By enrolling, a new, carefully selected book will be addressed to your child and mailed directly to your home each month. The first book is always the classic children’s tale, The Little Engine That Could. Who is eligible? Children under the age of five living within an eligible zip code. After determining your region, click the "register here" button above to find out if you're eligible! What are my responsibilities? Your role in all of this is super simple: Submit an official registration form, completely filled out by the authorized adult. Notify Reading Ready Pittsburgh any time your address changes. Read with your child and have fun! When can I expect to receive books? Eight to ten weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home one a month. You will continue to receive one book per month until your child turns five or you move out of the covered area. WE'RE ON TRACK FOR OUR GOAL! We are on a mission to boost children enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Our goal is to sign up 9,100 eligible children within city of Pittsburgh limits, which represents 65% of total enrollment. We are getting closer! Help us reach our goal by telling everyone you know about this amazing program. CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN PGH CITY LIMITS 4,900 CLICK TO DOWNLOAD Need enrollment resources? Click the button below for flyers and sign up sheets! DPIL by the Numbers as of August 4, 2026 PITTSBURGH ENROLLMENT 4,900 OUTSIDE PGH ENROLLMENT 4,308 TOTAL BOOKS MAILED 462,135

Get Involved There are tons of volunteering opportunities for you at Reading Ready Pittsburgh. Look below for just a few of them. There are many more not listed here! Want to sign up to volunteer? Fill out this form , and Mark will be in touch. Build a Little Library If you have the skills to build little libraries, please reach out to help us increase access to books through our Little Giveaway Libraries for young readers! We are seeking volunteers to read to small children in their childcare programs. If you would like to read to groups of small children on a monthly basis please contact us. Read in a Classroom (as needed) We always have tasks that need to be completed like cleaning books, prepping programming materials, wrapping books, and whatever else that might come up that week. Help Around the Bookstore Donate Books or Host a Book Drive Do you have children's books that need a new home or want to host a book drive? Consider helping Reading Ready Pittsburgh and B is for Books! Book Bag Support Do you get excited to organize and laminate? We do! Help us get our classroom book bags ready to go for our newest partners. Purchase Birthday Books Each child in our programming receives a brand new book each year for their birthday. Would you like to help us with that?

Donate Explore this page to find out how to support Reading Ready Pittsburgh $40 supports one child for one year of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library (DPIL) $125 enables us to purchase a new initial Raising a Reader bookbag for one child and family $300 covers brand new book giveaways and other resources for our free events at B is for Books $3,000 buys new Raising a Reader materials for an entire preschool classroom—a gift that will serve them for years to come. Every contribution makes an enormous difference to us. Thanks to donors like you, Reading Ready Pittsburgh can help hundreds of families develop, practice, and sustain home literacy habits to ensure all children thrive. Click here to to Reading Ready Pittsburgh's operational funds Click here to donate to the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Campaign Donations made by check should be payable to Reading Ready Pittsburgh and mailed to: Reading Ready Pittsburgh PO Box 81111 Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Support Reading Ready Pittsburgh through your workplace giving program. Our United Way Contributor Choice Program code is 19907484. Click Here to Donate Books Reading Ready Pittsburgh will gladly take your new and gently loved children's books to give away in our bookstore! It doesn't matter if it's one book or one thousand books, we will take them as long as they are in good conditio n; not offensive in their language or depictions of people and cultures; and geared towards kids birth to 18. Questions about donating? Click here to email Kathy! You can also shop from our wish lists! Baby Preschool Start a Book Drive We go through a lot of books here at Reading Ready Pittsburgh, so if you'd like to organize a book drive for us please email our librarian, Kathy, at the email address below. kathy@readingreadypittsburgh.org Thank you for supporting Pittsburgh's youngest readers!

Raising a Reader CLICK HERE FOR IMPLEMENTER RESOURCES Raising a Reader is a national organization with a mission to engage caregivers in a routine of book-sharing with very young children starting at birth. Book-sharing fosters brain development, relationships, a love of reading, and literacy skills that are critical for school success. Over 1,800 children enrolled in 64 sites around the Mon Valley and city! How Raising a Reader Works Reading Ready Pittsburgh connects with interested local childcare programs. Red book bags are rotated weekly into children’s homes exposing children to over 100 award-winning books per rotation cycle. Book bag rotation is paired with parent training and information on how to effectively share books to promote children’s early literacy skills and love of learning. Through the Raising a Reader program, families of Pre-K, Kindergarten, or 1st grade students are connected with their local public library. Their reading progress from the weekly book rotations is celebrated at a Blue Bag Event. At the event, students receive a Blue Library Bag, meet a librarian, and are encouraged to register for library cards to continue the practice of borrowing books and develop lifelong reading habits. "I think the Raising a Reader program makes book access easier and helps with my child's development and reading skills." Parent of 1 year old "I love this program! It showed me so many great books for my kids. It allows us to show new stories each week without the pressure of buying and is so easy by having them provided by the school. It is a great program." Parent of 3 year old "I really enjoyed receiving the red bags ... there was always a WOW factor on what books were inside. We took our family reading outside of the home .. we read during her sister's soccer practice, at the park. The red bags have impacted my family reading in a positive way." Parent of 4 year old What parents are saying about Raising a Reader Our Raising a Reader Sites Are you interested in offering Raising a Reader to the children and families in your center? Contact Megan! megan@readingreadypittsburgh.org | (412) 352-7488

B is for Books is Reading Ready Pittsburgh free bookstore for children. B is for Books A Free Bookstore for Children Reading Ready Pittsburgh operates an absolutely, 100% free bookstore for children and their families. The idea is simple: we believe that every child and their family should have easy access to high quality reading material with as few barriers as possible. This bookstore also doubles as a resource for early childhood educators. If you are an educator in need of a fresh set of books for your classroom and are able to pick them up from our bookstore location, you may request them below. 1/9 What Happens Here? Some things to do around the store if you are... An educator Meet with our librarian to choose the right books for your classroom Learn about our circle and story time events Ask us about professional development opportunities A caregiver Take home three free books to add to your family library Read a book in our nook with your little one Ask the staff about our early literacy programs A kid Take a look around the store, the games, and the nook Grab three books to take home and keep Read in the nook or play with the games Some other things we're doing around the store that you should know about: Literacy events at least once a month, a storytime every Saturday at 11:30 am, parent workshops, and even school field trips! B is for Books can now be reserved as a party space as well! Call 412-444-2994 or complete the inquiry form here for more information. Keep up to date on our social media to stay in the know! Donation Policy Reading Ready Pittsburgh will gladly take your new and gently used children's books to give away in our bookstore! It doesn't matter if it 's one book or one thousand books, we wi ll take them as long as they are in acceptable condition; not offensive in their language o r depictions of people or cultures; and geared towards kids birth to 18. Please click here to start the donation process. Questio ns about donating? Click here to email Kathy! Request Books If you are an educator or organization that works with children (e.g. social worker, doctor, community center), you may request a variety of gently loved books spanning all ages and genres from the store. You must make arrangements to pick them up from our storefront at 222 East 8th Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120. Click here to fill out the form , and our librarian will be in contact with you shortly. Please note that these books are from the store itself and may vary depending on what we currently have in stock. Location and Hours 222 East 8th Avenue Homestead, PA 15120 Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Saturday: 9 am - 3 pm 12 pm - 3 pm 9 am - 6 pm 9 am - 3 pm 10 am - 2 pm