General / Book Recommendations
Spine-Tingling Kids’ Books for Halloween
In honor of Halloween, we’ve conjured up a list of our favorite spooky books for young readers who appreciate a a few tingles down their spines. No tricks, all treats.
What’s New
CLiF Grant Applications / Partner Stories / CLiF Spotlight
CLiF Partner Stories: Meet Chrissy Wade
We’re fortunate here at CLiF to have a committed and wide-ranging collection of partners, many of whom we’ve known and served for decades. The Waterville Town Library, which received a Rural Libraries grant for 2022-23, is one of these programs. Grant coordinator and volunteer Trustee Chrissy Wade wrote and received a CLiF Rural Libraries grant twenty years ago when she first moved to Waterville, Vermont!
Travels with Yoshi: Pownal, VT
In the wee hours of a dark and foggy September morning, I was slumbering peacefully, as is my habit, when suddenly I heard Duncan’s voice, urgently summoning me. “Yoshi! Wake up. We have work to do!” As CLiF Canine-in-Residence, I have many daily responsibilities, but on this day, I could tell he had something different … Continued
Fall Updates from CLiF
At the Children’s Literacy Foundation, back-to-school season is always a busy, but exciting, time. We are launching new partnerships, building new headquarters, and most importantly, sharing books and stories with kids.
Farewell to CLiF
With my year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA reaching its end, and the summer ramping down after another successful season of presentations made and books delivered to children and families, I thought I might reflect on my time with the Children’s Literacy Foundation, and what I’ve learned in the last year.
Happy National Dog Day from the Dogs of CLiF!
While dog appreciation occurs daily at CLiF, in celebration of National Dog Day, we’re giving our pups the spotlight they deserve. In keeping with our children’s literacy mission, each furry friend has selected (okay, we chose for them) a favorite work of canine literature to share. Without further ado, meet the dogs of CLiF!
Meet Cassie Willner, CLiF’s New Program Manager
Greetings! My name is Cassie and I’m so excited to join the CLiF team as the new literacy program manager and support our incredible mission dedicated to expanding literacy skills amongst Vermont and New Hampshire’s children and youth.
All About CLiF’s At-Risk Program
One of the Children’s Literacy Foundation’s core programs is our At-Risk grant, which supports children up to age 12 in Vermont and New Hampshire who are at higher risk of growing up with low literacy skills.
Writing / Research / Literacy Activities / Education
Mid-Summer Inspiration
Whether you are a CLiF partner taking a well-deserved break, fully engrossed in summer reading, or managing kids at home or in a program, we can still make summer fun intersect with reading and writing. CLiF offers ideas and insights to help keep excitement up around reading and writing for your students and for yourself!
CLiF’S Summer Virtual Schedule
Here at CLiF, we hope for sunny, hot days in July that draw our kids to all the best outdoor spots for hiking, swimming, exploring, and, of course, reading. Again this summer, we will host a virtual summer series for those needing a midday break and wanting to explore the summer reading theme – Oceans … Continued
On the Horizon for CLiF
CLiF Executive Director Duncan McDougall spoke to VTDigger this week about plans for the Children’s Literacy Foundation’s new headquarters.
Join the CLiF Team!
We’re hiring! The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF), an award-winning nonprofit based in Waterbury Center, Vermont is currently seeking two new team members: a Literacy Program Manager and a Development/Finance Coordinator.
Little Patakha Promotes Diversity, Inclusion
Akshata Nayak is the Vermont-based entrepreneur, scientist and mom behind Little Patakha, a new company focused on promoting diversity and inclusion through interactive children’s media.
A Series of Unlucky Protagonists
After much research, our CLiF team of experts has determined that one of the best methods of distracting oneself from irrational fears is by reading to or with a child. In honor of Friday the 13th, a day historically linked with unluckiness, we’ve rounded up a selection of books with protagonists prone to misfortune and misadventure.
Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day at Your Local Bookshop!
This Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day, an annual one-day party held at bookstores nationwide the last Saturday in April. It’s always a great day to drop by your local bookshop, as many stores plan fun events such as author talks, book signings, storytelling sessions, giveaways and more! At the Children’s Literacy Foundation, we are huge … Continued
An Earth Day Reading List
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Invest in Our Planet.” While there are countless actions to consider in the fight against the climate crisis, arguably one of the best planetary investments we can make is prioritizing climate and environmental literacy. It’s never too early for children to start learning how to respect and protect the … Continued
A Bookworm’s Search for Forgotten Stories
From a very young age, I was a bookworm to such an extreme that it was sometimes problematic. I read at the dinner table, despite my parents forbidding it. I read in the car, even though it made me throw up. I read on play dates, not caring that my friends found me boring. My … Continued
General / Research / CLiF Spotlight / Education
Welcome Spring with Insights and Ideas
“A book is like a garden, carried in the pocket.” Thank you to the late author and illustrator Lois Ehlert for her colorful books that remind us spring is coming. To everyone working hard on behalf of our kids: thank you. Thank you for all that you do, despite and because of another year of … Continued