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

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 also writes StrefaTECH (strefatech.substack.com), a free, practical AI newsletter for the social sector, and speaks regularly on AI literacy and implementation. 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.

ParentPowered (Haga clic aquí para español) Over 900 parents enrolled! REGISTER HERE Or text RRP to 70138 to enroll 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 Promotional Flyers Want to promote ParentPowered in your community? Click the pictures below to download them and then share away!

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 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

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. Families are connected with their local public library and children receive a blue library book bag at the end of the program so children can continue the practice of borrowing books, building a lifelong habit of reading. "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

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.

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! 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 Raising a Reader Little Giveaway Libraries Dolly Parton's Imagination Library ParentPowered Community Outreach Birthday Book Gifting 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.

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!

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

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?

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

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."