Tell Albany: Fund Children's Literacy | Reach Out and Read of Greater New York

Every child deserves to love reading. Tell Albany to make it happen.

New York families need state funding for childhood literacy programs — including Reach Out and Read and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Contact your Assembly Member and State Senator in one click.

1 in 3

NYC children start kindergarten behind in language skills

90%

of brain development happens before age 5

in literacy funding saves $7 in remediation costs later

Send your message to Albany

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Why It Matters

Literacy is the foundation of everything.

Reach Out and Read of Greater New York trains pediatricians to prescribe books and reading aloud at every well-child visit from birth to age 5. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library mails a free book monthly to enrolled children. Together, these programs give every New York child a fair start — and they need the State's support.

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Starts at birth

Reading aloud from infancy builds vocabulary, listening skills, and a lifelong love of books — years before formal schooling begins.

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Doctor-delivered

Pediatricians are trusted voices. When they hand a family a book and guidance at check-ups, parents listen — and children thrive.

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Books by mail

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library sends age-appropriate books monthly, ensuring every enrolled child has books at home regardless of income.

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Proven ROI

Early literacy investment reduces special education costs, grade repetition, and juvenile justice involvement. The payoff for taxpayers is enormous.