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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 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) 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) Dolly Parton's Imagination Library returns to Pittsburgh (WTAE-TV) Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sending free books to Pittsburgh kids (NEXTpittsburgh)

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 1,600 children enrolled in 61 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 Learning and Educational Daycare Early Headstart The Day School Are you interested in offering Raising a Reader to the children and families in your center? Contact Megan! megan@readingreadypittsburgh.org | (412) 352-7488

Implementer Resources For All Implementers Photo Release Form Information for Parents Book Bag Return Reminder Book Bag Rotation Log Volunteer Form For Sites Book Bag Rotation Logistics - Sites Rotation Recommendations - Site Kick Off Ideas - Sites Family Agreement Signature Page Family Book Bag Rotation Letter Make Literacy A Part Of Your Day Book and Book Bag Care Family Reading Bookmarks For Home Visitors Book Bag Rotation Logistics - Visitor Rotation Recommendations - Visitor Kick Off Ideas - Visitor Parent Send Home Reminder Classroom Bag Reminder (Poster) Raising a Reader Videos RAR Family Introduction Video Bag Inventory Check

Our Team 1/2 Mary Denison, PhD - Executive Director mary@readingreadypittsburgh.org Mary Denison is a retired school psychologist. She has worked in that capacity with school-age children with learning and developmental problems for over 30 years. Mary initially taught Special Education for children with learning and behavioral challenges. After graduating with her doctorate in School Psychology she worked at Shaler Area School District and at PACE School. In 1995 she began working at The Day School at The Children's Institute. Mary worked for 22 years developing an expertise in working with children with autism and genetic and neurological disorders. After retiring from The Day School, Mary founded Reading Ready Pittsburgh to help build a love of reading in families of small children throughout the Pittsburgh area. Mary has 3 children who are all grown. She is an avid reader and enjoys sharing her love of books with others. 1/2 Megan Chips - Program Director megan@readingreadypittsburgh.org Megan is excited to be a part of the Reading Ready Pittsburgh team as Program Director. After graduating from Duquesne University as a psychology major, Megan quickly realized working with young children was her true calling. She received her Master’s degree from Carlow University in Elementary Education and for over twelve years worked in various early childhood programs. Megan holds Pennsylvania teaching certificates in both early childhood and elementary education. Prior to joining the RRP team, Megan worked for AIU Head Start for seven years as a teacher, supervisor and administrator. Megan believes inspiring children with a desire for reading is key for them to succeed in early grades as it shapes and forms their attitudes through graduation and beyond. Kathy Koltas - Librarian/Project Manager 1/2 kathy@readingreadypittsburgh.org Kathy has been a Children’s Librarian in the Pittsburgh area for over 25 years. Her passion for bringing books to children, especially those who may not have them in their homes, began as a volunteer with the former Beginning with Books early literacy organization. Through her work there, she saw how children need access to books in order to grow and develop into readers, leading to greater success in school. She returned to school to get her master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh and has since worked in various public and school capacities while raising five children. Despite loving her work, Kathy had always wanted to get back to working with a nonprofit that focused on getting books into the hands of all children and served not only the children but the caregivers and teachers as well. She is committed to bringing high quality, inclusive literature into all homes so every child can experience the joy of reading she has always felt and to which she has devoted her life to sharing. 1/2 Mark Sepe - Outreach Coordinator mark@readingreadypittsburgh.org Mark is a certified K-12 Reading Specialist and 7-12 English teacher. Before joining Reading Ready Pittsburgh he worked at Montessori Elementary School and was the Literacy Coordinator + Reading Specialist at the Neighborhood Learning Alliance. Reading and literacy are two of his biggest passions, and he is excited to be part of an organization putting those same passions at the front and center of their mission. When he's not coordinating with local organizations and communities, you can find him putzing around his garden, fermenting some thing or another, or playing baseball. 1/2 Stefanie Wielkopolan - Program Coordinator stefanie@readingreadypittsburgh.org Stefanie is a local educator and writer who has had the privilege of working with students, ages 2-82, for over 15 years. She holds teaching certifications in secondary English and elementary Montessori education. She loves being surrounded by books and holds an M.F.A. in Poetry from Chatham University. Stefanie is grateful to be back in the non-profit sector, helping children gain access to books and is excited to work for Reading Ready Pittsburgh as a program coordinator. During her time off, you might find Stefanie hanging with family and friends, reading, taking a hike with her husband, or singing ridiculous songs to family pets. 1/2 Hannah Zibert - Program Coordinator hannahz@readingreadypittsburgh.org Hannah has enjoyed working with children in ages ranging from 3 months to 15 years in sports, special needs camps, high schools, daycares, and one-on-ones for the past 14 years. She studied English Literature at Allegheny College and then received her Master’s in the Arts of Teaching English 7 -12 at the University of Pittsburgh so that she could share her love of reading with everyone. She happily stumbled into Early Childhood Education and became a Lead Teacher for six years at The Children’s Center of Pittsburgh where she found her passion for educating the youngest of children and fostering the love of reading in young people. Hannah is so excited to continue her journey with Reading Ready Pittsburgh and support their mission as their Program Coordinator. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys reading, quilting, hiking with her big, fluffy dogs, and supporting her local rugby club. 1/2 Sophia Garbos - Bookstore Associate sophia@readingreadypittsburgh.org After having her daughter at the end of 2022, Sophia shifted out of the food service industry and into the non-profit sector, realizing the importance of early literacy to success in her own as well as her daughter’s life. She studied Anthropology at Antioch College, and earned a Master of Arts in Food Studies from Chatham University. As a relatively new mom herself, she loves working with infants and toddlers and helping caregivers to build confidence in their reading skills. When she’s not shelving books, she can be found reading Stephen King books, hiking with her daughter and dog, and cooking vegan food.

Board of Directors 1/2 Caren Ponty | President Caren Ponty spent most of her career focusing on housing and services to lower income families. She located and established emergency shelters for New York City’s homeless population and spent over 20 years helping communities develop affordable housing in Gateway cities throughout Massachusetts. Along the way, she managed capital programs on Rikers Island and developed specialized housing for veterans, developmentally-challenged adults and wards of the state. Over the past ten years, she has concentrated on community engagement in the cultural sector, chairing her local cultural council and focusing on participatory arts. She has been an active Board Member of a range of nonprofits and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra. 1/2 Mohammed Burny | Vice President Mohammed Burny is thrilled to serve on the board of Reading Ready Pittsburgh! During his tenure as Chief of Staff at Pittsburgh City Council, Mohammed was proud to help re-launch the City of Pittsburgh's participation in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, in partnership with Reading Ready Pittsburgh and the Benter Foundation, and provide thousands of Pittsburgh children with a free book each month. He looks forward to broadening the scope of this program through Reading Ready Pittsburgh and enroll thousands more children across Allegheny County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the coming years. Mohammed is an attorney at Goldberg, Kamin & Garvin, LLP, specializing in community and economic development and land use law. He holds a J.D. from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University and a bachelor's degree in Government from Harvard University. Mohammed and his wife live in Upper Lawrenceville. In their free time, they explore local restaurants, attend ballet and theatre performances, go antiquing, and visit Pennsylvania's many and picturesque small towns. 1/2 Gene O'Sullivan | Treasurer Gene O’Sullivan is the retired Chief Financial Officer of the Elliott Group, headquartered in Jeannette PA and Sodegaura, Japan. Elliott is a worldwide manufacturer of compressors and turbines for the oil and gas industry. He began his career in Pittsburgh with Schneider, Downs and Co, where he was a certified public accountant. During his career, he also served as CFO of Joy Manufacturing Co. (now Komatsu Mining Corp.) and IPEG, Inc. He is a graduate of Indiana University of PA. He has previously served on the boards of the PICT Classical Theatre (past president) and the Foundation for IUP (Chair of Investment Committee). He has volunteered with Literacy Pittsburgh tutoring students in English as a Second Language and preparation for the General Equivalency diploma. He is a member of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Council, and an active volunteer with the Homeless Children’s Education Fund. He believes literacy is a key to success in life, and that Dr. Seuss was right when he said: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” 1/2 Markeya Lowry | Secretary Markeya was born and raised in Pittsburgh and has been dedicated to helping serve others since she was a young girl. After obtaining her BA in Sociology from the California University of PA, she went on to spend over ten years in social services. She has served populations in the community ranging from children to older adults tackling the issues of re-entry, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health. Through this work, she has worn many hats, including as a therapist, housing coordinator, women’s resource coordinator, and case manager. Shortly after the birth of her lovely daughter in 2016, Navi Ahavah, she was inspired to self-publish her children’s book series On a Mission. In 2021, Markeya became a certified birth doula and life coach with the mission to empower and encourage communities through her work. 1/2 Christopher Mark | Member Christopher Mark is a mining engineer for the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) at the US Department of Labor. Chris received his PhD from Pennsylvania State University and serves as a researcher and safety consultant since 1986. He is a life-long lover of books and reading and raised his three grown children to continue in that tradition. Chris enjoys camping, running and hiking in his free time. 1/2 Margy Whitmer | Member Margy Whitmer was producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for a number of years until production ended in 2001 and continued with the company, producing live-action segments for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood , through December 31, 2018, when she retired. Over the years, Margy has been the company’s liaison with PBS’s Ready To Learn Initiative; co-creator, writer, and producer for video-based early childhood professional development workshop materials; and project director for two series of picture books, “First Experiences” and “Let’s Talk About It.” Her previous experience includes production and administrative positions at WQED-TV for both local and national programs, including Once Upon a Classic and the National Geographic Specials. A Chatham College graduate and holder of a teaching certificate, Margy is also an active volunteer in community organizations having been a board member and subsequently Board President of the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, steering Committee for the annual Empty Bowls event to raise hunger awareness and an ten year volunteer reader for Beginning with Books. 1/2 Chardaé Jones | Member Chardaè Jones is a writer, published author, professional volunteer, and a connector of all things. From Braddock, PA the 2021 Pittsburgh Magazine 40 Under 40 awardee has published over 15 books on behalf of herself and others. She holds a BA in Professional Writing and Communications from Carlow University. She is the current secretary for Pennsylvania Young Democrats and the Community Liaison of Barrel and Flow Fest. The former Mayor of Braddock enjoys community advocacy, playing with her husky, all things Halloween, traveling, cooking, hosting Murder Mystery Dinners, and eating her way around the Burgh. As a Councilwoman she hopes to work with her colleagues and the community to revive the parks, encourage equitable development, create more partnerships within the community, and continue to create a transparent and accessible government. 1/2 Karen Lynn Williams | Member Karen Williams is the author of 17 books for children as well as stories and articles for reading programs and anthologies. She received a bachelor’s degree in Speech Therapy from the University of Connecticut, a master’s degree in Deaf Education from Southern Connecticut State University, and taught in an integrated program for hearing impaired children. She studied at the Institute of Children’s literature and has been an instructor for MFA programs in creative writing at Chatham University and Seton Hill University. Karen was a Peace Corp volunteer in Malawi where she taught English literature. She has lived in Haiti and on the Navajo reservation and has volunteered for the Pittsburgh Refugee Center. When not writing out of her life abroad, her stories are based on life with four children and six grandchildren. She is passionate about nature and the environment. She lives part time in Pittsburgh and part time in the Laurel Highlands. Karen enjoys hiking with her husband and their dog, biking, paddling, snow shoeing and cross -country skiing. 1/2 Denise Dembski | Member Denise Dembski works at UPMC as an RN, an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Instructor and Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) Instructor. She has a history of volunteerism including being a volunteer EMT at the Munhall Ambulance Service and as a classroom volunteer, reading tutor, president of the Barrett PTA in the Steel Valley School District and long-time board member of MUSA. Denise and her husband, Rich Dembski, have lived in the Steel Valley for the past 30 years and have raised their two daughters who graduated from Steel Valley High School. She loves to share picture books with her two grandchildren. 1/2 Claudia Davidson | Member Claudia Davidson is a practicing attorney principally in the areas of criminal defense and labor law for almost 40 years and is an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. A longtime resident of the Swisshelm Park neighborhood, Claudia has served on the board of Three Rivers Community Fund and the Society for the Preservation of the Max Vanko Murals. She is an avid runner and a grandmother of two girls under three to whom she loves to read. 1/1 Deb Stuligross | Member Deb Stuligross is the AI Literacy Lead at Tech To The Rescue (techtotherescue.org), where she helps nonprofits build the understanding and confidence to adopt AI responsibly. She brings decades of experience in software and IT, now focused on making emerging technologies accessible and ethical for mission-driven organizations. Deb has been dedicated to the non-profit sector for decades, starting as a volunteer in the 1970s. Following her corporate career, she helped launch Holy Family Academy (now Nazareth Prep), an initiative of Holy Family Institute, and has since advised over 50 regional non-profits as an Executive In Residence with the Forbes Funds. Her extensive governance experience includes serving as board chair for Fine Art Miracles and Footbridge for Families, and as a board member for the Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition and Second Shift. 1/2 Mary Denison, PhD | Founder and Executive Director Mary Denison is a retired school psychologist. She has dedicated her professional career to supporting children and families. She has worked with school-age children with learning and developmental problems for over thirty years. Mary initially taught Special Education for children with learning and behavioral challenges. After graduating with her doctorate in School Psychology she provided psychological services at Shaler Area School District and later at PACE School. In 1995, she began working at The Day School at The Children’s Institute. Mary worked for 22 years developing an expertise with children with autism, genetic and neurological disorders. Mary has 3 children who are all grown. She is an avid reader and enjoys sharing her love of books with others.

Community Engagement and Outreach Reading Ready Pittsburgh loves to work directly and creatively in our local communities. Our organization is often tabling at a variety of community events and at partner's events . We also work with the family centers and pediatricians around the Mon Valley and provide them books and resources of all kinds like early literacy posters, stickers with helpful hints for parents, and literature highlighting the importance of early literacy. Click here to reach out to Mark if you'd like any items listed below or if you are interested in partnering with Reading Ready Pittsburgh in our community efforts! Executive Director Mary Denison tabling at a Beverly's Babies Community Shower Specific Projects 1/5 Family Reading Poster Campaign Much like the "Read" and "Got Milk?" public service announcement campaigns of the 1990's, Reading Ready Pittsburgh's poster project delivers a powerful message in simple language. Each of the 10 posters feature a photo of a local family reading to or with their child(ren) alongside a simple yet impactful message about literacy at the bottom. These posters are hung in areas where children and families might be: classrooms, libraries, pediatrician offices, and more. Feel free to request a couple if you know of a good place to hang one! Diaper Bank Baby Wipe Stickers Any time a parent or caregiver interacts with their child is a great time to talk, sing, and play. RRP has an ongoing partnership with Mon Valley Family Center diaper banks to put colorful tips and reminders for parents on baby wipes that are distributed alongside the diapers. 7 5 8 7 1/8 1/3 Read, Play, Learn Spaces There are many spaces in our community where families do passive errands or spend time waiting that are great places to add a reading nook. Reading Ready Pittsburgh has added RPL spaces to the Clairton laundromat, Clairton Inn apartment complex, Millvue Acres housing complex, the Latino Family Community Center, Duquesne Family Center, and even our bookstore! We hope to transform spaces in salons and barbershops, municipal buildings, and other similar areas. Let us know if you know somewhere that could benefit from a reading nook! Books for Family Health Care Centers and Pediatricians Reading Ready Pittsburgh supplies nearly a dozen community health clinics, family health providers, and pediatrician offices with free copies of Read to Your Bunny . Each time a new family with young children visit the office for a check-up or other service they get to walk away with a copy of Rosemary Wells' charming little book. From Scholastic: "This gem of a book celebrates reading through an intimate story and vibrant, bunny-filled pictures. [It] is an invitation for parents and children to read together every day. This picture book promises: Read to your bunny often, and your bunny will read to you."

Donate Explore this page to find out how to support Reading Ready Pittsburgh $35 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. Make a general donation to Reading Ready Pittsburgh right here. Click here to donate to Reading Ready Pittsburgh's Dolly Drive! 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!

Upcoming Events with Reading Ready Pittsburgh Upcoming Events For questions about events, email mark@readingreadypittsburgh.org 1/3

Individual Donors 2023-2024 School Year Sue Abramson Katerina Acar India Adams Kirsti Adkins Linda Alexander Sharon Allenbaugh Mike and Sally Altman Kristin Anderson Stewart and Deb Anderson Teresa Ankney Anonymous Anita Arguello Robin Arnold Aspen Dental Bill Asson Karen Auslander Ave Maria Academy Jim Bain Patricia Barbarino Perego Mare Barr Kathleen Barr Allen and Liz Baum Elizabeth Beech Michelle Belan Elaine Bennett William Bennett Mark Bennett Deborah and Sy Beozzo Cynthia Berger Robert Schoen and Nancy Bernstein Mary Ann Berty Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory Katherine Bienkowski Michael Bilka Elizabeth Birru Ann Bisignani Julie Block Eva Blum Kristie Boirem Peggy Bonnell Bookstore at Calvary Episcopal Church Susanna Botts Arlene and Bill Brandeis Rich and Karen Brean Bob Sullivan and Alice Bright Kerry Bron Brenner Brown Maureen Busis Aimee Butch Cassie Byrski Lauren Caddy Tina Calabro David and Colleen Caldwell Carabella Oakmont, Inc Angela Cardillo Sloan Carlton Sophia Cebenko Wolfe George and Meg Cheever Colleen Chester Megan and Jeff Chips Betsy and Dana Christensen Rebeccca Chrystal Anna Ciardi Kathleen Clarke Joan Clay Jean Clickner CMU Children's School Paul Cohen Family Care Connection Deborah and Michael Conway Erin Cope Lori Corsi Brad Crouse Lynn Cullen Lloyd Cunningham Judi Cutruzzula Donna Dabruzzo Cindi Daghlas Vincent D'Alesio Lloyd Daniel Nicole and Maggie David Nicole David Mark Rubenstein and Claudia Davidson Jamie Davis Amy de Chicchis Amelia Dechicchis Denise and Rich Dembski Joan Masser and Lisa Dennis Patrick Devlin Ellen and Michael Dichner Irene Dinning Julie Dixon-Ernst Natalie Donaldson Roy and Susie Dorrance John and Lucy Douglas Ken Doyno Cathy Droz Anne Ducanis Lynn Dunbar Moira Dunn East End Brewing Co Lea Ekeberg Gale Emery Ebe Emmons John Engberg Mark & Kim Fallon Michele Fallon Spencer Fanning Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh Edward Feinstein Nancy Ferber Nicole Fest Nichole Fest Fleischner Family Bob Mitchell Linda Fleming Fletcher Family Nancy Foley Randi Foos Ron and Rita Ford Beth Fox Roberta Franciscus Franklin Elementary School Katy Frey Friends of Caren Ponty and Ira Moskowitz Margaret Fuhrman Amy Ganzy Lindsay Garrison Rick Garstka Nancy Giallonardo Madelyn Reilly Robin Girdhar Erica Giunta Hannah Goetz Harold and Debbie Goldberg Pam Golden Judith Esman and David Goldman Dorien Goodnight Pamela Grabowski David Carr and Anne Jane Gray Meghan Gray Greater Pittsburgh Business of Professional Women Rhonda Greathouse Katy Gresh Murphy Diane Griffin Marybeth Griffin Kelly Guarino Timothy Gyves Tim Gyves Joni Rabinowitz and John Haer Arden Hamer Jordan Hand Barbara Hanusa Diane Harlacher Jeffry Harris Patricia Harris Pat Harris Ronna Harris Ranada Harris Janice Harrison Sarah Hart Kristen Hartmann Stuart Hastings Marcie Hayhurst Kathleen Hazeem Ron and Angela Heakins Gertrude Hellerman David Hereth Jane Hereth Charles Herrold Susan Hershenson Richard and Petrina Hewlett Fran and Dan Heyman Hirsch Family Patricia Hoffman Rachael Hoffman Tom McNichol and Lysa Holland Homestead Library Michael Goodhart and Susan Hoppe Kelly Hosack Raven Howell Erin Huwalt The Hut Tony and Barb Iannacchione Joy Isaacson Kada Jackel Heather Jamison Patrick Jamison Sally Janis Pam Javor Jefferson United Presbyterian Church Women's Association Louise and Joseph Jencik April Johnson David and Nancy Johnson Jeanne Johnson Chardae Jones Josh Steel Co Merle Kailas Regina and Stratis Kakadelis Becky and Jeff Keenan Chaz Keller Amy Kellman Susan Kelly Maureen Kelly Mary Ruth Kelsey Jeffrey Hritz and Ann Kelton Alex and Helen Kiderman Laura Kinzel Kelsie Kirchartz Laurie Kirkpatrick Sarah Klein Olga Klimova Michele Kline Brian Knepp Knepp Family Priyanka Kochlar Christine Kocian Annie Kotula Janice Gordon and Rob Kraftowitz Ian and Tara Kratzke Claire Lama Penny Lang Stephanie Lapine Nancy Latimer Kelly Lennon Lisa and Harry Levinson Diane Lewis Miriam Leyton Jodi Lincoln Sherry Lingg Lori Linsenbigler Emily Lippert Julia Lipscomb Barbra Logan Barbara Logan Lois Lowry Sharon Lutz Jennifer Lydon Charlyn Lyons Merika Machi Meg Madle Joanne Malenock Joanne Mantha Valerie Maola Craig Marcus Mary Denison and Christopher Mark Rita Martin Anita Martinelli Laurie Mathie Paula Ann and Bob Matthews Shannon Maughan Annabelle and Daniel Maurer Phillipe Charpentier and Marie Mawe Eleanor Mayfield Sally McAllister Charles McCollester Adrian McCoy Joelisa McDonald Corey McGough McKeesport Library Andrew McNabb Andrew & Karen McNabb Noel Medici Nancy Mehalic Mary Pat Mengato Cary Meyers Christine Michaels Hattie Miles Linda and Ken Miller Krynski Deb Dunton and Jon Minden Mitchell Family Hillary Moninger Cynthia Morelock Mary Morgan Morgan Lewis Foundation Michael Morrill Zoe Kamil and Hunter Moskowitz Lisa Moss Elizabeth Mullaugh Nancy Murphy Thomas and Gail Murphy Phyllis Murray Janice Myers-Newbury Myrna Silverman Fund Madeline Nagel Nicole Neal Edward Nebiolo Kelly Nee Tobie and Eloy Nepo Maurice and Nancy Nernberg Linda Newman Kari O’Brien Gene and Sandy O’Sullivan Janet Ocel Susan Oerkvitz Raenne and Chas Olander-Murray Heather O'Leary Omega Federal Credit Union Elliott Oshry Shea OSullivan Shae O'Sullivan Nancy O'Toole Melissa Ott Vincenetta Pace Liz and Ken Perkins Stefan Frembgen and Susan Petersen Amy Pfister Amy Pike Beth Piraino Maya Pirl Pittsburgh Prison Project Janet Pohl Rita and David Pollock Lynne Porterfield Cora Lu Conser and Timothy Potts Deborah Pratt Iza Przygock Jane Rahenkamp Powviya Ramamoorthy Cathy Raphael Mary and Christopher Rawson Rosy Reed Jim Reitz Susan Greenspan and Neil Resnick Dina Rigot Bob and Mona Riordan Robbi Robinson Sam, Diana, and Dan Robinson Allison Robinson Sally Romito Thomas, James, and Emilie Rook Ann Rose Linda and Michael Rosenbaum Shelly Ross Rotary Club of Turtle Creek PA David Roth Ashley Rothernel Jacque Rowden Deborah Rowe Trisha Rutenbar Sabol Family Sacred Heart Elementary School Jennifer Salmans Jan Sandford Rick Sandford Diane and Phillip Schavone Joe Schmid Jean Schmidt Kathaleen Schnur Mike Schwab Rob and Al Schwartz Heather Seiders Peter Sepe Ann Sepe Hedda B. Sharapan Lee Shaw Anne Shearon Liz Shirley A. Lee Shull Jeanne Siciliano Heather Sieders Lee and Myrna Silverman Marcus Simone Muriel Slater Scott and Anita Smith Shana Smith Jerome & Shana Smith Henry and Mary Snyder Francis and Lenette Solano Jesse Solomon Hannah Somers David Michael King and Maria Somma Harry and Michele Soose Tricia Staley Cindy and George Stallard Kelly Stasik Jane and Robert Steineck Gwen Steiner Ali Stephens Pat and Jeanette Stephenson Robert Sterner Holly Stewart Jen Stickle Sarah Stillman Janet Stone Mona and E.J. Strassburger Becky Studer Joseph and Deb Stuligross Annie Stunden Edie Styen Brandi Supernovich Samantha Swartz Sarah Switalski Maria Synan Kristen Tachoir Martha Ann Terry Keith Thrash Timothy Tocher Trying Together Laura Tomor Giraldina Trevejo Stacey Trocheck Rosemary Trump Tara Tucci-Exilus Gary and Nancy Tuckfelt Unity Presbyterian Church Bonnie Vello Katie Vines Steven Vines Lorere Vinski Sarah Vinson Irmgard and Helmut Vogel Michael and Mary Vogel Randi Voss Jo Ann Wagstaff Jennifer Weber Jen Weber Bonnie Wello Delsa White Margy Whitmer Katie Whitney Victoria Whitt Whitt Family Mark Whittaker Pat Wildt Karen Lynn Williams Wilmotte Family David and Marlene Wohleber Jennifer Wolsk Sandra Woolley Ava Worner Michael Yahr Daphne Retter and Patrick Yoest Ray McGunigle and Susan Zeff Michael Zibert

How to get involved with Reading Ready Pittsburgh. 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! Email Mark at mark@readingreadypittsburgh.org to be added to the monthly email! 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 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?

Ready4K Ready4K is an evidence based family engagement curriculum delivered via text message that helps caregivers support their children. E ach week, caregivers receive text messages with fun facts, easy tips, and growth activities on how to promote their children’s development by building on existing family routines – like pointing out letters on the shampoo bottle during bath time. Or text RRP to 70138 to enroll REGISTER HERE FACT: Balance and coordination help toddlers navigate the world. They're important for physical tasks like climbing stairs and playing on a jungle gym. 1 year-old sample message TIP: As you lie in bed, play an emotion game. Whisper a feeling like happy or sad. Then show each other the face you make when you are feeling that way. 3 year-old sample message GROWTH: Keep comparing groups of objects. You're getting ready 4K. Now challenge your child to identify which hand is holding fewer pennies. Try one more time! 4 year-old sample message Thank You! Reading Ready Pittsburgh received a grant through the Ready4K organization to offer Ready4K to our Allegheny county families for the next 2 years.

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