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.

Learn More & Apply

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

Catch up with our latest featured posts from our blog

General / Writing

CLiF’s 2025 Two-Sentence Story Contest

CLiF’s 2025 Two-Sentence Story Contest is now open to young writers in Vermont and New Hampshire, ages 12 and under. This year’s theme is “Love.” Prizes will be awarded to top submissions.

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.

Writing Workshop: Nashua, NH

February 10, 2025 8:00-3:00

Author/illustrator Marek Bennett will visit the Sunset Heights Elementary School to lead a 3-day writing & comics workshop for students on February 10-12. 

Writing Workshop: Dover, VT

February 10, 2025 8:00-3:00

Author/illustrator Daryl Seitchik will visit the Dover Elementary School to lead a 3-day writing & comics workshop for students on February 10-12. 

Author Visit: Nashua, NH

February 14, 2025 8:00-11:00

Author/illustrator Jannie Ho will visit the Sunset Heights Elementary School, a Year of the Book school for 2024-25, to tell stories and share her 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.

View all upcoming events

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