When I was a child, everything about the holidays felt glittery and magical. This was undoubtedly due in large part to the tireless efforts of my mother, who was possibly a Claus in some former life. Each year in the weeks leading up to Christmas, she energetically directed us kids through various festive rituals: baking … Continued
We want to offer special recognition to our bookstore friends that have committed to hosting book drives for CLiF over the holiday season. Each of these stores is a community mainstay, and we are very grateful for our shared commitment to inspiring young readers. Just one more reason to shop small, local and literary this season–and every season!
Here’s a peek behind the scenes at how CLiF selects, orders, organizes, and distributes the many thousands of books we give away to under-resourced children in Vermont and New Hampshire each year.
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
Throughout CLiF’s many years of inspiring a love of literacy among Vermont and New Hampshire children, the power and value of books has been central to our mission. Almost every CLiF event includes a book giveaway with a wide range of diverse books on offer, as well as an in-person presentation by an author or … Continued
Straddling the international border line, and the two towns of Derby Line, VT and Stanstead, Quebec, is the Haskell Free Library & Opera House. This unique and charming public library serves both U.S. and Canadian citizens, and was awarded a CLiF grant for the first time in 2024.
Sometimes I do school and community programs. Some of my books feature newcomer kids. But mostly it was because I was friends with Sara Lesley Warner (@saralesleyarnold – Sara’s pen name). Sara’s a kidlit writer and media specialist at Henry Wilson School, Manchester, NH. So it was Sara who invited me to present with her on the … 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
CLiF team / CLiF Spotlight / How You Can Help
If you haven’t yet had the good fortune to meet Jim Comley, one of CLiF’s longest serving volunteers, now’s your chance! Q. How long have you volunteered at CLiF, and how did you find your way to CLiF’s doors? Going on 15 years; I started in the fall of 2009; Duncan posted a call for … Continued
When we launched CLiF’s first Two-Sentence Story Contest back in February 2023, we were realistic about our goals and expectations. “Thirty entries would be great,” we agreed. “That would be a success.” The challenge for that inaugural contest was: “Tell us a story about winter.” And, as it turns out, the children of Vermont and … 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.
I recently had the pleasure of witnessing literacy and dance come together at the Integrated Arts Academy (IAA) in Burlington, VT, where students performed dances they choreographed with Rose Bedard as part of a teaching artist residency sponsored by the Vermont Arts Council and CLiF’s Year of the Book grant.
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.
We want to offer special recognition to our bookstore friends holding book drives for CLiF this holiday season. Each of these stores is a community mainstay, and we are very grateful for our shared commitment to inspiring young readers throughout the Twin States. Just one more reason to shop small, local and literary this season–and every season!
Remember when you were a young person and you read books that just wrecked you or made you think deeply? For me, as a child, it was “Bridge to Terabithia,” by Katherine Paterson (who is an emeritus CLiF presenter!). More recently, I added a new book to my list: “The Vanderbeekers Ever After.” It’s one of those that unexpectedly shakes you awake to the power of a really good book.
We often tend to think of literacy as the outcome of an instructional practice around reading and writing. But literacy is also a way to communicate and make sense of the world, and music can play an important role in complementing the pedagogy and helping students with their acquisition of skills.
The CLiF Year of the Book grant is a huge deal for schools that are selected. It’s a massive infusion of funds, support, and events designed to help a school build a culture of literacy over the academic year. And, of course, they get lots of books! Students (grades preK-6) each get to take home 10 new, high-quality books that they choose for themselves from a diverse selection.
CLiF has served over 350,000 children since 1998.