Articles by CLiF Staff
CLiF is pleased to announce the launch of our new Early Childhood Literacy Grant, created to expand equitable access to early literacy opportunities for young learners ages 0–5 in Vermont and New Hampshire.
For the inaugural 2025–2026 program year, CLiF has selected eight partner sites across both states. Each partner will receive $2,500 in books, event funds and literacy resources to strengthen early learning and family engagement.
Every other year, we host the CLiF Rural Library Conference, a free virtual learning opportunity for librarians who work in small communities across Vermont and New Hampshire. This year’s event takes place on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 9am to 12pm.
Kathy Powell is an integral part of CLiF’s volunteer team, a rescue dog lover, and a lifelong literacy enthusiast. In high school, she wrote a rhyming picture book for preschoolers–The Wiggly-Jiggly Book–for her senior project. During college, she interned with a children’s book editor, and after graduation, worked as an editorial assistant at a Manhattan … Continued
This week, April 6–12, marks National Library Week, an annual celebration recognizing the vital role libraries play in our communities. The theme this year, “Drawn to the Library,” reflects the many ways libraries continue to bring people together—through books, programs, internet access, community events, and welcoming public space. But even as we celebrate, many libraries … Continued
CLiF team / General / Year of the Book
Each spring, the CLiF team gathers to select recipients for our $25,000 Year of the Book grant during the following academic year. The decision is never easy, but this year’s selection process was especially challenging, with many strong applications from across Vermont and New Hampshire. In the end, we chose to expand the program for … Continued
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.
Nobody inspires kids more than their fellow kids. That’s why we invited some bright young literacy ambassadors to share their perspectives on why reading rocks. Learn what they had to say in our new video, “With CLiF, I Can.“ Our thanks to Raised by Wolves Media for helping us bring this project to fruition! We’d … Continued
Twelve public libraries in Vermont and New Hampshire are recipients ofthe Rural Library grant awarded by the Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF). This grant, valuedat over $7,000, provides new library books for the public and school libraries, literacyprogramming events, storytelling sessions, book giveaways and more over the course of the2024-25 school year. “CLiF’s Rural Library grant … Continued
It’s an exciting time at CLiF, as we recently selected the 12 public elementary schools in Vermont and New Hampshire that will receive our flagship Year of the Book grant during the 2024-2025 school year. This grant provides each school with up to $25,000 in literacy resources, including in-person visits from professional authors and illustrators; … Continued
General / Writing / Literacy Activities
CLiF’s 2024 Two-Sentence Writing Contest is underway! This year’s theme is “Tell Us a Two-Sentence Story That Takes Place in the Sky.” Free to enter, and open to all Vermont and New Hampshire kids 12 and under. Prizes will be awarded to top entries. Submissions must be received by March 29.
CLiF is incredibly fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers whose behind-the-scenes efforts boost our organization’s efficiency and function immeasurably. We recently sat down with Trevor Luce, the tech guru who generously serves as CLiF’s entire IT department, to ask him a few questions about his background with the organization, and what motivates him to volunteer.
The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) is looking for a part-time finance coordinator to join our team! Perks include flexible hours, friendly co-workers, a brand-new office space with plenty of parking, bottomless mugs of Nespresso coffee, being part of an organization with an undeniably great mission, and much more!
Even though school’s still in session, CLiF’s summer programming is already well underway! Last month, CLiF presenter Simon Brooks kicked off the first event of the summer season, hosting a storytelling session and book giveaway at the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families’ Foster Care Block Party.
In honor of founding Executive Director Duncan McDougall’s final day at CLiF, we are republishing the letter he penned for our 2022-2023 Winter Newsletter, graciously–as always–extending his thanks to the many friends and supporters of the organization he created. Today it is our turn to extend our sincere gratitude to Duncan for his dedicated leadership of CLiF over the last 25 years.
Award-winning author/illustrator and CLiF presenter Jason Chin has a special video message for the more than 700 young writers who entered CLiF’s debut Two-Sentence Winter Writing Contest.
Meet CLiF’s new executive director, Laura Rice and take a tour of the organization’s new headquarters, opening later this month.
CLiF is pleased to announce our 2023 Winter Writing Contest, open to kids 12 and under who live in Vermont or New Hampshire. The challenge: In exactly TWO SENTENCES, tell us a story about winter. Entries must be submitted by email or postmarked by Feb. 28. Read on for more details.
General / Book Recommendations
It should come as no surprise that the CLiF staff loves to read! After all, our mission is to share that love with all kids in New Hampshire and Vermont. And there’s no better time to read than summer, especially as so many social events and programs are either cancelled or online, giving us more … Continued
CLiF has served over 350,000 children since 1998.