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CLiF Spotlight / Book Recommendations

The Big Book Order

Here’s a peek behind the scenes in the CLiF office. Julia is busy assembling a huge book order for CLiF’s fall programs through our partner First Book. It’s a thoughtful process. Lots of kids in New Hampshire and Vermont are interested in hunting, animals, and nature, so she’s including Tracking and Reading Sign by Len McDougall … Continued

CLiF Spotlight

Calling Rural Libraries: Apply for Grant, Attend Conference

Fifteen years ago CLiF’s very first literacy program supported rural public libraries. We’re delighted to once again offer the Rural Library Sponsorship and support public libraries and schools in New Hampshire and Vermont’s small towns. CLiF is accepting applications through September 16, 2013. Twin States public libraries in towns of 5,000 or fewer residents with … Continued

General / CLiF Spotlight

Summer Readers Underway!

48 different children’s summer programs across Vermont and New Hampshire. 3,300 kids. Two free books per child. That’s a lot of books. No wonder the CLiFmobile just needed its shocks replaced. Rec program at the Barre Municipal Pool in Barre, VT From June through August, CLiF’s Summer Readers program visits lunch programs, low-income summer camps, and … Continued

General

Top Ten Reasons Reading Is Better Than Watching TV

1)      If you fall asleep while reading you don’t miss anything.   2)      It’s quiet. 3)      You can do it ANYWHERE including places with no cell service, electricity, wifi, or satellite transmission.   4)      It’s private, just you and the author linking minds and ideas.   5)      It’s free with a library card, and sometimes … Continued

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General / CLiF Spotlight / How You Can Help

Summertime Reading Contest

Got a “summer reader” in your life? How would he or she like a bundle of brand new books to read on the beach, at the playground, in a treehouse, or anywhere inviting this summer? Enter our Summertime Reading Contest on Facebook for a chance to win 15 brand new books and give other children … Continued

General

Helping Meet the Standards

The new Common Core Standards, have recently been adopted by 46 of the 50 states and will begin to be implemented in Vermont and New Hampshire in the coming school year. These standards, initiated by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers, are internationally benchmarked and intended to raise the … Continued

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General / CLiF Spotlight

A Picture (of a poem) is Worth a Thousand Verses

I could start by telling you about the beautiful view of Lake Champlain from our corner table. I could then tell you about the endless performances, exhibits, and activities for kids taking place all day. I could tell you about the throngs of children – of all ages – gathered around our table eagerly awaiting … Continued

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General / CLiF Spotlight

Bellies, Babies, and Books. Oh My!

Amidst a sea of bustling children, adorable little ones in strollers and Ergo carriers, and mamas-to-be looking radiant and curious, Julia and I set up a table at the Good Beginnings First Annual Baby and Child Expo to talk with parents about reading to their children from the get-go. Good Beginnings of Central Vermont is … Continued

Book Recommendations

Making Sense of the World Through Reading

My girls are trying to figure out life by living, learning, testing, playing, fighting, and reading. Reading is the cool trick we do every night before bed. After a long day of living, learning, testing, playing and fighting, it’s like a much needed form of therapy, but the relaxing, entertaining variety (if there is such … Continued

CLiF Spotlight / How You Can Help

Celebrate National Poetry Month with Queen City Ghostwalk

Queen City Ghostwalk, the Burlington company that has, for over a decade, provided haunted history tours to locals and visitors, has found a delightfully creepy way to celebrate National Poetry Month. On Thursday, April 18th, they will present Fright by Candelight, an evening of dark poetry to benefit CLiF! The program will take include readings from well-known … Continued

CLiF Spotlight

CLiF Is Hiring!

Are you looking for a creative, rewarding, and flexible job? The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) is a nonprofit based in Waterbury Center. For 15 years CLiF has inspired a love of reading and writing among more than 140,000 low-income, at-risk, and rural children in almost 400 towns throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.  Communications Director: 30-35 … Continued

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CLiF Spotlight / How You Can Help

Portrait (and Portraits) of a Young Donor

Here at CLiF we feel lucky to have such a wide range of supporters. We receive donations from authors, educators, retirees, families, small businesses, and foundations, just to name a few. But it’s a rare and touching occasion when a young donor approaches us with an interest in supporting CLiF. That is precisely what happened … Continued

General / Book Recommendations

Children’s Books as Art

Recently, while at the library seeking new reading material for my son, Emmett, two books jumped out at me. Each had an enticing title, intriguing subject matter, and captivating imagery. And Then It’s Spring and Peaceful Piggy Meditation grabbed my interest, and without hesitation, I checked them out and nestled them into our stroller. Though the books are … Continued

General

Apply Now for CLiF’s Year of the Book

CLiF is now accepting applications for our Year of the Book grant for the 2013-2014 school year. Our one-year partnership with elementary schools encourages students to read and write more often for enjoyment in school and at home. CLiF provides select elementary schools in New Hampshire and Vermont with more than $25,000 worth of children’s … Continued

Book Recommendations

Alluring Lettuces and All Nighters

As you have probably guessed by now, the CLiF staff is a small community of readers within itself. In our lives beyond children’s literature, we chat about the books we enjoy, circulate must-reads (oftentimes children’s literature), and recommend favorite titles to one another or for each other’s families. We have a vast array of interests … Continued

CLiF has served over 350,000 children since 1998.

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