Kids Need to Read

The core mission of Kids Need to Read is to ensure that all children and adolescents, regardless of their race, economic status, or capabilities, have equitable access to quality books. Recognizing that literacy is a key determinant of academic and personal success, the organization aims to increase literacy rates and reduce dropout rates throughout the United States.

To achieve this, Kids Need to Read not only supplies books to various educational institutions and community organizations but also designs and implements inspiring programs. These programs are specifically developed to engage and empower young learners, fostering a love for reading while simultaneously improving literacy skills.
The organization is committed to presenting these programs in a manner that respects the dignity and self-worth of the children and adolescents it serves. By instilling a sense of pride and self-respect, Kids Need to Read aims to create a nurturing environment that encourages young minds to embrace the value of reading.

One of the fundamental principles underlying Kids Need to Read's work is the belief that literacy is a catalyst for success in both school and life. By consistently demonstrating the importance of reading, the organization strives to motivate children and adolescents to become avid readers. It firmly believes that promoting literacy will not only enhance educational outcomes but also empower individuals to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Kids Need to Read employs a range of strategies to address the issue of limited access to books and promote literacy. The organization's key strategies include:

Book Donation: Kids Need to Read focuses on providing books to schools, libraries, and other educational institutions. By donating high-quality books, the organization ensures that children and adolescents have access to reading materials that can enhance their literacy skills and foster a love for reading.

Family Reading and Community Events: Kids Need to Read recognizes the importance of family involvement in promoting literacy. To encourage family reading habits, the organization organizes community events that celebrate the joy of reading together. These events provide opportunities for families to engage in shared reading activities, storytelling sessions, and interactive workshops, fostering a culture of reading within communities.

Support for Rural Libraries: In recognition of the unique challenges faced by rural communities, Kids Need to Read extends its support to rural libraries. The organization provides books and resources to these libraries, ensuring that they have the necessary materials to meet the literary needs of their communities. Additionally, Kids Need to Read organizes events and activities in rural areas to reconnect communities with their local libraries, promoting library usage and fostering a sense of belonging.

By implementing these strategies, Kids Need to Read aims to bridge the gap in book accessibility, promote family engagement in reading, and support rural communities in reconnecting with their libraries. These efforts contribute to creating a more literate society where all children and adolescents have equal opportunities to develop their literacy skills and succeed academically and personally.

Kids Need to Read possesses several capabilities that enable it to effectively work towards its goals of maintaining partnerships with publishers and authors alike, collaborating with libraries and local governments for community events, and encouraging community activism through our individual donors and volunteers

Partnerships with Publishers and Authors: The organization leverages its connections with publishers and authors to secure book donations and discounted rates for acquiring high-quality reading materials. Collaborating with publishers and authors allows Kids Need to Read to expand its book collection and ensure a diverse range of engaging and educational resources for children and adolescents.

Collaboration with Local Libraries and Governments: Kids Need to Read actively engages with local libraries and governments to create mutually beneficial partnerships. By connecting with these stakeholders, the organization gains valuable insights into community needs and can identify areas where its resources can have the greatest impact. Collaborating with libraries and governments also helps in identifying underserved areas and tailoring programs to address specific literacy challenges.

Encouraging Community Activism: Kids Need to Read recognizes the power of community members in driving change. The organization actively encourages and empowers community members to become advocates for literacy and champions of Kids Need to Read through donations and book drives. By engaging and mobilizing community activists, Kids Need to Read creates a grassroots movement that raises awareness, fosters support and drives positive change in promoting literacy within communities.

These combined efforts enable the organization to effectively work towards its goals of improving book accessibility, promoting literacy, and fostering a love for reading among children and adolescents.

Kids Need to Read has made significant progress in its mission to improve access to books and promote literacy. The organization's achievements include:

Book Donations: Over the past three years, Kids Need to Read has successfully provided over 1 million dollars worth of books to schools, libraries, and other service institutions. This consistent effort demonstrates the organization's commitment to addressing the issue of limited access to high-quality reading materials.

Reach and Impact: In the past year alone, Kids Need to Read has directly served over 97,000 children, making a tangible difference in their literacy development. By reaching out to a large number of children and adolescents, the organization is actively working towards its goal of ensuring that all young individuals have access to quality books.

Program Growth and Expansion: Kids Need to Read has experienced notable growth and expansion in its three core programs:

a. From Our Shelves to Yours (national): This program focuses on providing books to schools, libraries, and other educational agencies across the nation. The growth of this program signifies an increased reach and impact in addressing the book accessibility gap on a national scale.

b. The Page Coach (southwest): The expansion of The Page Coach program reflects the organization's commitment to serving specific regions. By bringing mobile libraries directly to communities in the southwest, Kids Need to Read ensures that children in underserved areas have access to books and literacy resources.

c. Grow Your Library (national): The growth of the Grow Your Library program signifies an expanded effort to support the development and enhancement of libraries nationwide. This program helps foster the creation of engaging library spaces and provides resources to enable libraries to better serve their communities.

Through these achievements, Kids Need to Read has demonstrated consistent progress in its mission. By providing substantial book donations, serving a large number of children, and expanding its programs, the organization is actively working towards its goal of improving book access and promoting literacy for children and adolescents across the United States.