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.
Our ImpactCatch up with our latest featured posts from our blog
The process of writing begins before you actually put pen to paper (or words on a screen). Many people find “pre-writing” helpful, notes or an outline to help guide their writing. Some prefer to just jump in and start writing and see what happens. There’s no “right” way to go about writing. Some kids are … Continued
Year of the Book / CLiF Spotlight
Enosburg Falls Elementary School in Enosburg Falls, VT has had a busy school year so far. In September, they kicked off their CLiF Year of the Book with storytelling by Duncan McDougall, their first book giveaway where kids chose new books for themselves, and a family literacy event featuring author David Martin and two more … Continued
As a writer, I fail. A lot. Since January, I’ve submitted 116 times and gotten 69 rejections. But I’ve also gotten five acceptances, including winning Noir Nation’s Golden Fedora fiction prize, told extremely personal and difficult stories in HuffPost and OC87 Recovery Diaries, and got an Honorable Mention from Glimmer Train. In short, I’m doing … Continued
General / Book Recommendations
Getting your kid tucked into bed without any fuss can be an uphill battle some nights, and getting them to stay asleep can be even more of a struggle. If you want to make bedtime run a little smoother, try incorporating a nighttime routine into your regular evening schedule to help your child wind down … Continued
According to studies, children who work out are more likely to do well in their studies. Read on to learn how exercise can benefit your child, both physically and mentally, and how you can encourage your child to exercise. Boost Your Child’s Concentration with Exercise At school, every day, kids are dealing with a number … Continued
Front Porch Forum doesn’t just help you find your lost dog or that bunk bed you desperately need for your kids. In my case, it found me a summer internship.
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.
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.
Bridgewater Hebron Village School students will meet with Natalie Kinsey-Warnock for six days to work on family genealogy, story telling, and community history. There will be a culminating activity.
Marty Kelley will share with Franklin Elementary School families the importance and fun of sharing stories.
5:30-6:00 - Families share a meal
6:00-6:45 - Kids participate in an activity while Marty talks with parents about sharing books with their kids and offers tips on how to make this more fun for all. After the discussion, each parent will pick two books for each of their children
6:45-7:00 - Marty tells stories to all
John Churchman will visit all the Barton Academy and Graded School students to tell stories and discuss his books. The school and public librarians will introduce students to their new collections. The grant provides $1000 worth of books to both the school and public libraries. He and Laddie will visit the preschool before lunch and do two school presentations after lunch.