Search Results

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 kindergarten. 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. Over 97,500 new and gently loved books given away by Reading Ready Pittsburgh to date , and Over 229,000 brand new books sent to homes through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! What We Do B is f or Books Free C hildren's B o okst o re ParentPowered Raising a Reader Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Community Outreach Little Giveaway Libraries Ranada's Story Ranada was introduced to the importance of early reading through our "Raising a Reader" program. Listen as she shares her insights about the impacts it has made on her family. Our Recent News Halloween Hoopla 2025 We had an absolute BLAST this past Saturday, October 25, at our second Halloween Hoopla event. Well over 60 children attended, heard stories, decorated pumpkins, and took home lots and lots of free books. Hope you can make it next year! 1/10 B is for Bookbash So the B is for Bookbash this last Saturday was, well, a total BASH! We had somewhere around 100 or more families come through the Carnegie Library of Homestead in just a mere 3 hours. Thank you so much to our partners who helped us make this day a true success. Crafts were made; stories were read; snow cones and snacks were eaten; school supplies and books were gifted; and faces were painted. And, of course, much more happened but we'll leave it at that for now! Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone!! 1/11 B is for Bugs Day Reading Ready Pittsburgh hosted the Carnegie Museum of Natural History at B is for Books on Saturday, July 12, for a day filled with creepies, crawlies, and lots of fun activities. Kids and families got to see insects of all different shapes and sizes, eat some "dirt", and take plenty of bug books to learn more at home. 1/9 A Brand New Little Library! Reading Ready Pittsburgh built another free giveaway library for kids! This newest library was installed in the Millvue Acres apartment complex in Clairton, PA. It's a quite a nice one, and our very own Hannah's very own father was kind enough to build it for us. As you can see the installation was met with a very warm welcome, and we hope kids find inspiration from the books we stock for years to come. 1/4 Puppet Show Number 2 Our second annual puppet show went off without a hitch! We were so excited to have Emily Schubert and Rabbit Foot Puppetry back at B is for Books. Over 50 kids came through the door last Saturday, April 26, and everyone walked away with three free books and lots of smiles. Can't wait for the third annual show! 1/10 B is for Books Celebrates Its First Birthday It may have been wet and rainy, but the B is for Books first birthday party last Saturday was an absolute blast! A total of 80 children walked away with a brand new copy of The Magician's Hat and 3 extra books of their choosing from the shelves. To top it off, each family received one of our new B is for Books tote bags, as well. Cake was eaten, magic was performed, and balloon animals were plentiful. Thank you all for coming out and making our first year around the sun such a magical time! 1/9 Helen Smith Author Visit Children's book author Helen Smith visited B is for Books on February 4th to read her book My Hair Ain't Nappy to almost 40 parents and children! All children who joined for the day received a free, brand new copy of the book and got to participate in lots of fun activities. Thanks to all who helped make this day extra special. 1/5 DPIL Now Completely Covers 15203, 15210, 15211, + 15227! Thanks to the help of the Birmingham Foundation, all families of children under 5 that live in the area codes of 15203, 15210, 15211, and 15227 are now able to enroll their children in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Click here to enroll! Each child under 5 will receive a free book in the mail every month until their fifth birthday. Local Children's Authors Come Visit B is for Books In September and October, Reading Ready Pittsburgh hosted local children's authors, Joy Givens and Karen Lynn Williams. Joy read a book inspired her son, The Unstoppable Jaime , and Karen Lynn Williams read Bear Helps the Forest (Maybe You Help, Too) . Each event was accompanied by snacks, activities, and a book giveaway. Be on the lookout for more author vsits in the future! Joy Givens Karen Lynn Williams (left) Joy Givens 1/5 Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Is Now in Sto-Rox! All families of children under 5 that live in the 15136 area code are now able to enroll their children in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Click here to enroll! Each child under 5 will receive a free book in the mail every month until their fifth birthday.

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!

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.

Family Newsletter Archive 2022 Newsletters January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 April 2022 May 2022 June 2022 July 2022 August 2022 September 2022 October 2022 November 2022 December 2022 2021 Newsletters January 2021 February 2021 March 2021 April 2021 May 2021 June 2021 July 2021 August 2021 September 2021 October 2021 November 2021 December 2021 2020 Newsletters November 2020 December 2020

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: Community 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. At this moment 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 12 pm - 3 pm 10 am - 2 pm

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 (Haga clic aquí para español) 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 outside of City of Pittsburgh limits: 15025 - 15034 - 15035 - 15045 - 15104 - 15110 - 15112 - 15120 - 15122 - 15131 - 15132 15133 - 15136 - 15137 - 15140 - 15145 - 15148 - 15218 - 15221 - 15227 - 15235 Eligible Zip Codes for the City of Pittsburgh: All zip codes within city limits. Click HERE if you aren't sure. NON-PITTSBURGH REGISTER HERE CITY OF PITTSBURGH REGISTER HERE What Is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library? 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 living within an eligible zip code. What Are My Responsibilities? 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 Will I Receive Books? Eight to ten weeks after your registration form has been received, books will begin arriving at your home an d will continue until your child turns five or you move out of th e covered area. 8,100+ children enrolled! 229,000+ books gifted to date Like free books? Click here to receive more free resources for caregivers Promotional Flyers and Resources Want to promote Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in your community? Click the pictures below to download them and then share away!