B is for Books is a free children’s bookstore owned and operated by Reading Ready Pittsburgh. Located at 222 E. Eighth Ave. in Homestead, the bookstore opened on February 1. Its mission is to remove some of the barriers families face in accessing high-quality, age-appropriate books.
In this month’s Perspective, we talk with Mary Denison, executive director for Reading Ready Pittsburgh. A retired school psychologist, Dr. Denison worked with school-age children with learning and developmental problems for over 30 years.
North Hills Monthly (NHM): What is Reading Ready Pittsburgh?
Dr. Mary Denison (Denison): Reading Ready Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing book access and engagement. We primarily focus on children from birth to age five, but occasionally extend our services to children up to eight years old, especially during the summer months. In addition to providing free access to high-quality books, we provide families with the tools and resources they need to support their children as they become avid readers.
NHM: What are the major programs of Reading Ready Pittsburgh?
Denison: Reading Ready Pittsburgh offers a few major programs. Raising a Reader is one of the biggest. The national program includes a book bag rotation with local childcare centers with the goal of engaging caregivers in a routine of book-sharing with young children, starting at birth. We believe that book-sharing helps with brain development, a love of reading, and building literacy skills that are critical for school success once children start kindergarten. By next year, we plan to have over 1,000 bags in rotation.
Another one of our programs is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This service covers the City of Pittsburgh and most of the Mon Valley. It’s supported by foundation funds and individual donations. Over 7,000 children are enrolled, receiving a book mailed to their house every month, until they turn five. The service is free for families. Reading Ready Pittsburgh covers the cost of having the service in the area.
We also have 14 little free libraries throughout the Mon Valley. We keep them stocked with gently used donated books from generous donors.
NHM: How is Reading Ready Pittsburgh funded?
Denison: Reading Ready Pittsburgh is funded by foundations such as the Grable Foundation and the Posner Foundation. The Department of Children’s Initiative gave us a grant that jumpstarted the B is for Books program. A significant portion of our funding comes from individual donations, which have been extremely helpful. Our bookstore space hosts our offices and event spaces. The more activities we host, the more people get excited about what’s happening.
NHM: What is B is for Books?
Denison: B is for Books is our brick-and-mortar free bookstore, one of only five in the country. Located in Homestead on 8th Avenue, it’s easily accessible by bus. We’ve had terrific success with people shopping, children playing in reading nooks, and local childcare centers coming in for story times. We also host events like author visits and themed reading days. Every child gets a free book during these events.
NHM: How do you get your books?
Denison: People can contact us through our website to donate gently used children’s books. Sometimes we ask donors to hold onto their books until we have space to accommodate them. Once a donation is approved, we arrange a delivery time. Volunteers sort through the donations, fixing any damaged books before putting them on our shelves. All donors receive a tax receipt.
NHM: How does B is for Books work?
Denison: Families can visit with their children, who can pick out three books per visit. Regular visitors who come five times receive a free teddy bear that says, “I Love Reading.” Excess gently used free books are distributed to our free little libraries around the community. Educators, churches, and other childcare professionals can request a box of books monthly for their classrooms or the families they serve.
NHM: Why focus on this age group?
Denison: Reading has many benefits for small children, such as boosting brain development, enhancing relationships with caregivers, and setting a positive course for life. It also helps children develop concentration and self-regulation skills, which are crucial for kindergarten readiness.
NHM: How can you volunteer?
Denison: Every Wednesday morning, a group of volunteers helps clean up and sort books. You can sign up to volunteer using the form on our website. We have 15 to 20 regular volunteers, but we need more help during big literacy events.
NHM: How does the Early Literacy Community Council contribute?
Denison: The council consults with us to develop events that highlight the importance of literacy and engaging with young children to prepare them for school.
NHM: What can families expect when they visit?
Denison: We strive to create a warm and welcoming space where families and children can pick out their own books. We aim to eliminate the barriers that prevent families from building home libraries, helping children get the tools they need for school success.
You can learn more about B is for Books at https://readingreadypittsburgh.org/bookstore.
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