York Reads

#Yorkreads... you can help!

 

Did you know that for many low-income families, there are ZERO age-appropriate books in the home?

 

When you donate books to United Way of York County, we place them in the hands of children in our community who need them through our #yorkreads initiatives!

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Early Literacy Reading Challenges 

The Early Literacy Reading Challenges are pre-literacy programs that encourage families to read to their children from birth to 5 years old every day. During the 2021-2022 school year, 39 classrooms participated from Crispus Attucks, York JCC, Hanover Area YMCA, York Day Early Learning, YMCA of the Roses, YWCA York, and YWCA Hanover.    

 

Little Free Libraries

Little Free Libraries are strategically placed freestanding book-sharing boxes that are catalysts for improving reading and deepening community connectedness. There are currently 6 Little Free Libraries located in York City, Red Lion, and Dover. 

 

Reach Out and Read

During well visits at Family First Health York County locations, children aged 6 months through 5 years are issued a "prescription" from their pediatrician to read and are provided with a book to take home. Medical providers model reading and share tips with caregivers. Reach Out and Read serves Family First locations in downtown York, Hannah Penn, Lewisberry, and Hanover.

 

Reading Ready Corners

Since 2014, Reading Ready Corners has reached children who otherwise may not have access to age-appropriate books. Bookshelves are placed and filled in offices where families wait for an appointment or service to encourage parents and children to read together and take a book home with them. In collaboration with York City School District, a new kindergarten readiness and transition Reading Ready Corner was launched in 2022. The corner has kindergarten transition and readiness books, materials, and resources for children and their families.

 

Please drop off new or gently used books for children of all ages, from birth through elementary school, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 140 East Market Street, York, PA 17401. 

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Made possible by:

Program-specific support for FOCUS is provided by Kiwanis Club of Dillsburg, York County Community Foundation Fund for York County, United Way of Pennsylvania, Campus Door, and York County Early Learning Investment Commission. 

Sponsors of yorkreads