The Reading Institute and Brooklyn Public Library on Tuesday announced the launch of free literacy resources for families across all 62 BPL branches. Grounded in the science of reading, the materials are designed to help caregivers support early reading development through simple, research-based activities at home.
The new resources include letter-picture cards and a caregiver booklet with step-by-step activities focused on phonemic awareness, phonics and early word recognition. The materials are adapted from The Reading Institute’s Reading Ready program and Caregiver Guide, both based on decades of research into how children learn to read.
The rollout is part of a broader partnership between The Reading Institute and Brooklyn Public Library, supported by the Heckscher Foundation for Children, aimed at bringing evidence-based literacy practices into community spaces and directly to families.
“Families play a critical role in helping children learn to read, but many don’t have access to clear, research-based guidance,” said Katie Pace Miles, founder and president of The Reading Institute and professor of reading science at Brooklyn College. “These resources are designed to make the science of reading accessible and actionable, so that caregivers can support their children’s literacy development in simple, joyful ways at home.”
The effort comes amid ongoing concerns about literacy outcomes. National assessment data shows fewer than one-third of fourth graders in New York are reading proficiently, underscoring the need for accessible early literacy support.
The caregiver booklet provides activities that can be integrated into daily routines, including shared reading, letter-sound practice, and early decoding skills. The letter-picture cards are designed to reinforce sound-letter connections, a foundational element of early reading instruction.
The materials will be distributed free at BPL branches beginning in early May, with additional outreach planned through library programming and community engagement efforts.
