CLiF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire a love of reading and writing among low-income, at-risk, and rural children up to age 12 throughout New Hampshire and Vermont.
CLiF arranges for more than 60 professional authors, illustrators, poets, graphic novelists, and storytellers to give inspiring, in-person 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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Early literacy skills are one of the strongest indicators of a child’s future success. Yet, more than two-thirds of low-income fourth graders 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 enjoyment of reading and writing for low-income, at-risk, and rural kids in the Twin States, provide access to high-quality reading materials that meet children’s interests, and give families, schools, libraries, and programs the tools they need to encourage literacy skills.
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One of our popular presenters is author/illustrator Marty Kelley, who has written or illustrated books such as Almost Everybody Farts, Summer Stinks, and A Cape! We asked him what inspires his work.
The question is not really what is writing, but what is good writing.
It often goes back to reading. Children and teens who read the most tend to become more successful in school than those who do not.
CLiF has provided free and inspiring literacy programs and brand-new books to low-income, at-risk, and rural children up to age 12 in almost 85% of the communities in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Please contact us if you’re interested in attending an event. Details may be subject to change.
Stamford Community Library will kick off its CLiF Rural Library grant with storytelling by Marty Kelley. Marty will visit with the PK-8 graders at the Stamford Elementary School. The $2000 worth of new books selected by the Public Library and the $500 of new books selected by the school library will be showcased. PK at 1:30, K-8 at 2.
Hall Memorial Library will kick off its CLiF Rural Library grant with storytelling by Marty Kelley. Marty will first visit with the preschoolers from town at the Public Library before visiting the K-2 graders at the Union-Sanborn Elementary School. The $2000 worth of new books selected by the Public Library and the $500 of new books selected by the school library will be showcased. Timing to be determined.
To celebrate the fact that more than 80% of parents and children signed the Read To Me contract pledging to read together twice a week for at least 20 minutes, all students will meet with author Doug Wilhelm and then share treats. Group 1, 11:50-12:40; group 2, 12:40-1:30.