Brooklyn Book Bodega, ExpandED Schools and Reading Partners are joining forces to strengthen literacy at home through a new series of free virtual workshops and community-centered Big Book Parties, part of the NYC Reads initiative. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger reading culture across New York City and preparing more children to enter school ready to learn and succeed.
The initiative focuses on equipping parents and caregivers with practical tools to support literacy development in everyday settings. Through guided instruction and accessible resources, families will learn how to build foundational reading skills, encourage a love of books and create supportive home learning environments that reinforce what children experience in school.
The series launches April 14, with a Science of Reading program that breaks down key literacy concepts into manageable, actionable lessons. Six consecutive virtual workshops will take place every Tuesday from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, each centered on a core component of reading development. Participants will leave each session with simple, effective activities they can immediately apply at home.
“Brooklyn Book Bodega is thrilled to collaborate in this collective effort to ensure that more families have access to resources that will help their children become strong readers and build their home libraries. Literacy is directly linked to better academic performance and more opportunities in life and we’re grateful to be a part of an initiative that helps make that a reality for children across the city,” says Seema Aghera, chief operating officer and co-founder at Brooklyn Book Bodega.
The workshop schedule begins with an overview of the challenges children face when learning to read, followed by a session on the five domains of literacy. Later sessions will explore building vocabulary and letter knowledge, developing word consciousness, and strengthening phonics skills. The series concludes with a focus on comprehension, helping caregivers guide children in making meaningful connections while reading.
In addition to the virtual sessions, the program extends into neighborhoods through three Big Book Parties designed to increase book access and celebrate literacy in a communal setting. Hosted in East New York, Harlem and South Jamaica, these events provide families with the opportunity to browse and take home free books while engaging in interactive programming led by local artists, performers and creatives.
Two Big Book Parties will take place on May 9, with simultaneous events at the New York Public Library Harlem Branch and the Brooklyn Public Library Arlington Branch, both running from 11:00am to 1:00pm. A third event will follow on May 16 at the Queens Public Library South Jamaica Branch during the same hours. Each gathering is designed to make reading both accessible and celebratory, reinforcing the idea that literacy can be a shared and joyful experience.
The partnership underscores the broader goals of the NYC Reads Initiative, which brings together multiple organizations to improve early literacy outcomes in historically underserved communities. By combining virtual education with in-person engagement, the program aims to reach families where they are and provide consistent, meaningful support.
