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 Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick & Gefsky, 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 Deb Stuligross | Treasurer 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 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. 1/2 Jonathan B. Russell, MPIA | Member Jonathan Russell is a nonprofit and public affairs professional with 15 years of experience in strategic planning, government relations, and community partnerships. He serves as Director of Strategic Collaboration and Partnerships at Carnegie Museums, where he advances institutional priorities through cross‑sector collaboration, fundraising, and public engagement. Jonathan has previously held leadership roles in nonprofit strategy, government grants, and community development, and brings a strong commitment to education, civic engagement, and mission‑driven impact. He holds a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelors in History from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. 1/2 DaMarra King | Member DaMarra King is a strategic grants management professional and community leader dedicated to expanding educational access and strengthening community impact through strategic partnerships and resource development. She currently serves as the Grants Manager and Resource Specialist for the College of Education and Social Work at Carlow University, where she identifies, secures, and manages funding opportunities that advance institutional priorities and student success. DaMarra has led several literacy initiatives such as serving as the Lead for the Hill District Early Literacy Initiative at Macedonia FACE. DaMarra has also procured, contracted, and monitored the Early Literacy Programming and Early Literacy Support Hub Funding Opportunities while serving as the Birth to Five Manager for the Allegheny County Department of Children Initiatives. DaMarra holds a Master of Business Administration from Point Park University and a Bachelor of Music Education from Howard University. 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.

Birthday Book Gifting Our Birthday Book Gifting program allows participating sites to gift each child in their childcare program an age appropriate, high quality book on their birthday. Birthday Book Gifting brings joy to children on their birthday and provides families quality books for their home library. How you can help: Purchase your favorite book(s) and send them to Reading Ready Pittsburgh. We'll wrap and deliver them fo r you! Questions? Email Ka thy Buy Local from these Pittsburgh Book Sellers: Send to: Reading Ready Pittsburgh Birthday Book Gifting Program 222 East 8th Avenue Homestead, PA 15120 Baby Preschool You can also shop from our wish list!

The following zip codes outside the city of Pittsburgh are currently eligible to receive Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: 15025 15034 15035 15045 15104 15110 15112 15120 15122 15130 15131 15132 15133 15134 15135 15136 15137 15140 15145 15148 15204 15218 15221 15227 15235

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 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)

Read about Reading Ready Pittsburgh in the news. RRP Previous Newsletters 2026 2025 2024 2023 January February July August March 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

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 for full resolution 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 2025 Total books distributed surpasses 160,000 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 Raising a Reader Program Coordinator 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 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 2019 Reading Ready Pittsburgh opens three additional Raising A Reader programs Reading Ready Pittsburgh hires their first full time employee 2017 Raising A Reader is brought to MUSA's Little Lambs Preschool program 2026 RRP hires sixth staff member to be Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program coordinator Receive 1.8 million dollar grant from The Benter Foundation to reenergize Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for the City of Pittsburgh Total books distributed surpasses 300,000 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 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 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 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 Four Little Give-Away Libraries are built and placed in Homestead and Swissvale

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 1/8 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 20 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 1/6 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."