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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

Community Partners ClairtonPublic Library Clairton City School District Woodland Hills Impact Center Family Care Connections Phila nthropic Support The Cahouet Foundation Trust Drue and H. J. Heinz II Charitable Trust First Presbyterian Church of Duquesne Howard & Nell E. Miller Foundation

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! 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?

Contact Us Have a question? Please reach out to us! We would be happy to hear from you. Email us directly or fill out the form below. Mary Denison, Executive Director Megan Chips, Program Director Kathy Koltas, Librarian Mark Sepe, Outreach Coordinator Stefanie Wielkopolan, Program Coordinator Hannah Zibert, Program Coordinator How can we help? Submit Thanks for reaching out!

Little Giveaway Libraries Reading Ready Pittsburgh builds, fills, and maintains 14 little giveaway libraries in the Mon Valley. All families are invited to take books from the little giveaway libraries to add to their home collection and read with their children regularly . Children waiting to use a new little library Little Giveaway Library in the COG building in Homestead. Little Giveaway Library in the Amity Harvest Community Garden. Thank you! All the gently used books placed in our Little Giveaway Libraries are donated from many generous local families as well as elementary schools and partner organizations. Want to build a library? Email Mark at mark@readingreadypittsburgh.org to get the process started! Amity Community Garden 7th and Amity Street Homestead, PA 15210 Steel Valley COG Building 1705 Maple Street Homestead, PA 15120 Angel’s Place Woodstock and S Braddock Ave Swissvale, PA 15218 Carnegie Library of Homestead 510 E 10th Ave Munhall, PA 15120 Carl’s Red Door Store 337 5t h Ave Rankin, PA 15104 Clairton Family Center 734 Miller Ave Clairton, PA 15025 House of Soul Catering 203 Whitaker St Munhall, PA 15120 Free Store 15104 420 Braddock Ave Braddock, PA 15104 Munhall 3510 Main Street Munhall, PA 15120 Mon View Heights 1 Midway Drive West Mifflin, PA 15122 Salvation Army - Steel Valley Corps 104 E 9th Ave Homestead, PA 15120 Dragon's Den 1008 Amity Street Homestead, PA 15120 The Youth Department Children of Israel 329 9th St McKeesport, PA 15132 Millvue Acres 100 Marion Circle Clairton, PA 15025 Americorps volunteers freshen up a library Jim, a volunteer, helps install a library he built A brand new library waits to be opened by local children

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.

Upcoming Events with Reading Ready Pittsburgh Past Events Family Library Day September 16, 2023 12 - 2 pm Carnegie Library of Homestead, Homestead, PA Braddock Literacy Day May 20, 2023 1 pm - 3 pm Clara E. Davis Civic Plaza, Braddock Birthday Book Wrapping February 8, 2023 9:30 - 11:30 am Reading Ready Pittsburgh Office, Homestead Beverly's Babies - Duquesne January 17, 2023 11 am - 12:30 pm First Presbyterian Church - Duquesne Red Lantern Bike Giveaway December 4, 2022 12 - 2 pm Free Store, Braddock Volunteer Service Day October 12, 2022 1 - 4 pm Various Little Giveaway Library Locations Storytime at Amity Garden September 18, 2022 10 am - 12 pm Amity Community Garden, Homestead Mon View Paint Day June 3, 2023 10 am - 2 pm Mon View Heights Apartments, West Mifflin, PA Storytime at the Laundromat March 16, 2023 3:30 - 5:30 pm The Laundry House. 8th Avenue, Homestead Author Visit: Natasha Tarpley February 1, 2023 World Read Aloud Day N. Braddock Holiday Giveaway December 17, 2022 11 am - 1 pm Braddock's Battlefield History Center Homestead Holiday Parade December 3, 2022 12 pm Homestead Birthday Book Wrapping October 7, 2022 10 am - 12 pm Reading Ready Pittsburgh Office, Homestead Storytime at the Laundromat August 27, 2022 10 am - 12 pm The Laundry House, 8th Avenue, Homestead

Learn about Reading Ready Pittsburgh and their mission. Mission and History MISSION Reading Ready Pittsburgh is a non-profit organization supporting the healthy development of young children by increasing access to books and by encouraging significant family engagement through reading. Reading Ready Pittsburgh offers a variety of literacy programs to the Pittsburgh area's young readers. Reading Ready Pittsburgh partners with local childcare centers, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, and other community organizations to meet families where they are and remove barriers families may face in having high-quality, age-appropriate books to share in the home. We're making a difference in the Mon Valley and beyond. See what Reading Ready Pittsburgh has been up to. Logic Model Click image to enlarge Impact Reports 2021 Year In Review 2022 Impact Report 2023 Year In Review 2024 Impact Report Click here to view Reading Ready Pittsburgh's IRS Form 990 HISTORY 2017 Raising A Reader is brought to MUSA's Little Lambs Preschool program 2018 Reading Ready Pittsburgh becomes an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Reading Ready Pittsburgh creates a partnership with the Head Start program at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Six new Raising A Reader Programs are opened 2019 Four Little Give-Away Libraries are built and placed in Homestead and Swissvale Reading Ready Pittsburgh opens three additional Raising A Reader programs Reading Ready Pittsburgh hires their first full time employee 2020 Raising A Reader is offered through Home Based Childcare providers First Early Head Start Home Visiting program begins Ready4K is offered to Raising A Reader families Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is launched for families with a 15120, 15104, 15145, or 15112 zip code An Eagle Scout Volunteer builds and erects 3 new little libraries in the Mon Valley 2021 Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is launched for families with a 1511o zip code in partnerships with The First Presbyterian Church of Duquesne Reading Ready Pittsburgh partners with Heritage Community Initiatives in Braddock to offer the Raising A Reader Program Raising A Reader is expanded to kindergarten and first grade classrooms at Propel Homestead Raising A Reader is expanded to two Head Start classrooms in Braddock Reading Ready Pittsburgh adds West Mifflin, Wilkinsburg, and Swissvale to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library 2022 Reading Ready Pittsburgh adds Ready 4K parent texting program First Braddock Literacy Day Dolly Parton Imagination Library reaches over 1000 children in Mon Valley Librarian added to staff Outreach Coordinator added to staff 2023 Second annual Braddock Literacy Day Expanded programming to Home Visitors throughout Mon Valley and surrounding communities Reading Ready Pittsburgh serves City of Pittsburgh by serving as interim Dolly Parton Imagination Library coordinator RRP hires its fourth staff member to serve as a Program Coordinator 2024 Reading Ready Pittsburgh opens B is for Books , a free bookstore for children, at 222 East 8th Avenue in Homestead, PA RRP becomes permanent host of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for the City of Pittsburgh Third annual Braddock Literacy Day Expand programming to Latino Community Center Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is offered to Sto-Rox (15136) Expand Raising a Reader to elementary schools 2025 Total books distributed surpasses 100,000 Further expand Raising a Reader programming into more elementary schools Raising a Reader surpasses 40 sites B is for Books' first birthday party RRP hires its fifth staff member to serve as a Program Coordinator

Parents Is your family new to Raising A Reader? Check out the video below to learn all about the Raising A Reader program to start receiving books from your childcare program . 1. Check to see if your childcare program is a Raising A Reader Partner 2. If your childcare program is a Raising A Reader partner, complete the google form . We want to hear from you! What dreams and aspirations do you have for your child's literacy development? What role can Reading Ready Pittsburgh play in making your dreams and aspirations a reality? Let us know! Contact Us Parent Resources Celebrity Storytime Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Read Aloud Free eBooks eLibrary eLibrary eLibrary Digital Library Sign up for our monthly newsletter! Each month we share tips, early literacy information, and upcoming events in the area. Submit Thanks for signing up to read our news! Click here for Newsletter Archives TIPS FOR READING WITH YOUR LITTLE ONES Let your child hold the book and turn the pages. Reading before bedtime helps your child relax! When the story has a sound effect, make the most of it! A loud “boom” and an animal sound “oink” will help keep children engaged. Let your child choose the book. CLP Best Books for Babies 2023 CLP Best Books for Babi es 2022 CLP Best Books for Babies 2021 Scholastic 100 BEST Read Aloud Books Black Girl Magic: 33 Picture Books Featuring Black Female Protagonists Black Boy Joy: 30 Picture Books Featuring Black Male Protagonists Great Read Alouds for Babies and Toddlers - Reading Rockets The Pittsburgh Study Book List - Racially Affirming Books for Black Children Book Lists Raising A Reader launch at Whitaker United Methodist Head Start. Amity Community Garden 7th and Amity Street Homestead, PA 15210 Laundromat 212 East 8th Avenue Homestead, PA 15120 Steel Valley COG Building 1705 Maple Street Homestead, PA 15120 Angel’s Place Woodstock and S Braddock Ave Swissvale, PA 15218 Carnegie Library of Homestead 510 E 10th Ave Munhall, PA 15120 Carl’s Red Door Store 337 5th Ave Rankin, PA 15104 House of Soul Catering 203 Whitaker St Munhall, PA 15120 Free Store 15104 420 Braddock Ave Braddock, PA 15104 Munhall 3510 Main Street Munhall, PA 15120 beSocial - Mon View Heights 1 Midway Drive West Mifflin, PA 15122 Salvation Army - Steel Valley Corps 104 E 9th Ave Homestead, PA 15120 Dragon's Den 1008 Amity Street Homestead, PA 15120

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 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free high-quality books to children birth through age 5, no matter their family’s income. Eligible Zip Codes: 15025 - 15034 - 15045 - 15104 - 15110 - 15112 - 15120 - 15122 15131 - 15132 - 15140 - 15145 - 15148 - 15221 - 15218 REGISTER What Is It? Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child’s name directly to your home. The first book is always the children’s classic The Little Engine That Could™. Best of all it is a FREE GIFT to your child through our partnership with local organizations! There is no cost or obligation to your family. Who Is Eligible? Children under the age of five in the following zip codes: 15025 - 15034 - 15045 - 15104 - 15110 - 15112 - 15120 - 15122 15131 - 15132 - 15140 - 15145 - 15148 - 15221 - 15218 What Are My Responsibilities? 1. Be a resident of 15025 - 15034 - 15045 - 15104 - 15110 - 15112 - 15120 - 15122 15131 - 15132 - 15140 - 15145 - 15148 - 15221 or 15218 zip codes. 2. Submit an official registration form, completely filled out by the authorized adult. 3. Notify Reading Ready Pittsburgh any time your address changes. Books are mailed to the address listed on the account. Note: If the child’s address changes, you must contact Reading Ready Pittsburgh in order to continue receiving books. 4. Read with your child and have fun! When Will I Receive Books? Eight to ten weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home and will continue until your child turns five or you move out of the covered area. 1,470 children enrolled! 431 graduates Like free books? Click here to receive more free resources for caregivers REGISTER

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

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