Building a Community of Readers
Do you remember the joy of picking a bedtime story for your parents to read? Many of us grew up surrounded by books, but not all families have such easy access to quality reading materials today. While many parents are filling bookshelves for their own children, some families struggle to provide books at home.
Linked2Literacy (L2L), a nonprofit organization based in Lincoln, is working to change that. Founded just two years ago, L2L is on a mission to inspire generations by providing inclusive books and literacy education through community-based programs. It started with book drives for children in foster care, hospitals, and women’s shelters, but quickly grew into a comprehensive literacy initiative to provide books for children in need statewide. Today, L2L has delivered more than 34,000 brand-new, high-quality books to children and families throughout the community.
Why is this work so important? Childhood literacy is one of the strongest indicators of a child’s future success. Two-thirds of children who do not read proficiently by the end of 4th grade are more likely to face challenges such as poverty or incarceration. This gap is even greater for underserved children. L2L tackles these systemic barriers by connecting with community organizations who serve the children, youth, and families who need literacy resources the most.
Here are some of the impactful programs L2L offers:
EMpowerME Packs: 800+ backpacks filled with brand new books for kids in foster care
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: 3,800+ children registered to receive new books monthly from birth to age five
TeamMates Partnership: Literacy resources distributed throughout Nebraska to mentors and mentees
Book Bridge: Workshops for families to help parents and caregivers read to children in more meaningful ways
Unbound: Book clubs for kids in grades 3 - 8 to spark meaningful conversations
WORDSTOCK: An annual community book swap festival with free books for all ages
As a parent, guardian, or caregiver, you already know that empowering children through reading is one of the best gifts we can give. L2L’s work is made possible through the support of volunteers and donors, and every contribution helps expand its reach. When children thrive through literacy, our entire community thrives.
Want to get involved or learn more? Visit linked2literacy.org.
Email kat@linked2literacy.org to request a speaker.