Opening books. Opening minds. Opening doors.

We are the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF)

Creating literacy experiences that support success in life and learning for under-resourced children in New Hampshire and Vermont.

What We Do

What We Do

CLiF arranges for more than 65 professional authors, illustrators, poets, graphic novelists, and storytellers to give inspiring presentations for children. These memorable events help kids get excited about books, stories, reading, and writing. CLiF holds nearly 1,000 events each year.

At almost every CLiF event children can select new, high-quality books of their choice from hundreds of titles. In some CLiF programs, children can pick at least ten new books of their choice over one year. CLiF also donates significant collections of new, high-quality children’s books to school libraries, public libraries, classrooms, shelters, affordable housing developments, and other locations where children and families may be found.

CLiF provides a wide variety of literacy resources, and support to parents, caregivers, and staff members at organizations that serve our target audience. CLiF also hosts periodic conferences for educators and librarians.

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Why We Do It

Why We Do It

Why We Do It

Early literacy skills are one of the strongest indicators of a child’s future success. Yet more than two-thirds of fourth graders from low-income families in New Hampshire and Vermont do not read proficiently. Many have limited access to inspiring literacy programming and high-quality new books. CLiF’s programs aim to increase children’s enjoyment of reading and writing; provide access to high-quality reading materials that meet the interests of young readers; and give families, schools, libraries, correctional facilities, and other organizations the tools they need to encourage literacy skills.

Our Impact

What’s New

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Impacts

CLiF has provided free and inspiring literacy programs and brand-new books to under-resourced children up to age 12 in almost 85% of the communities in New Hampshire and Vermont.

350,000+ Children Served
425+ Towns in VT + NH
$10 Million+ in New Books Donated
25+ Years

Upcoming Events

Please contact us if you’re interested in attending an event. Details may be subject to change.

Storykeepers: Stewartstown, NH

January 8, 2025 8:00-3:00

The Stewartstown Elementary School students will meet with Natalie Kinsey-Warnock for fivee days to work on family genealogy, storytelling, research, and community history on January 8, 9, 16 and February 5 and 7.

Library Event: West Fairlee, VT

January 10, 2025 9:00-11:00

Author/illustrator Jason Chin will visit the Westshire Elementary School, a Year of the Book school for 2024-25, to tell stories and share his love of writing. The school and public librarians will also introduce students to new books added to their collections. The Year of the Book grant provides $1000 worth of children's books to the school library and $500 worth of books to the local public library.

Storykeepers: Charleston, VT

January 15, 2025 8:00-3:00

The Charleston Elementary School students will meet with Natalie Kinsey-Warnock for six days to work on family genealogy, storytelling, research, and community history on January 15, 17, 22, 24, 31, and February 3.

View all upcoming events

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