Books For Me

About Books For Me

Through strong partnerships with Head Start programs in Baltimore, Books For Me works to ensure that both children and caregivers have access to resources that foster a love of reading, build foundational language skills, and promote school readiness.

A series of four workshop sessions aim to strengthen family involvement in public libraries and provide caregivers with practical knowledge on how to engage young children in reading activities that support their cognitive, emotional, and social growth.

Books For Me Cohorts

Workshops are offered to caregivers in two cohorts per year: the first from October to January, and the second from February to May. Each cohort participates in four monthly sessions guided by Every Child Ready to Read curriculum, which focuses on developing early literacy skills in young children.

Books For Me Workshop Session Themes:

1. Let’s Read & Write Together!
2. Let’s Play Together!
3. Let’s Sing and Talk Together!
4. Let’s Get Ready for School!

At each session, caregivers will be provided with free picture books and an accompanying toy to take home.

Books For Me Partner Locations

Though Books For Me primarily works with Head Start locations, the program also partners with other organizations with similar missions, such as Judy Centers. Other partner location requirements include:

• Serving children from 0–5 years old
• Serving families beneath the HHS Poverty Guidelines
• Can allocate appropriate space for Books For Me workshops
• Has returned a signed Partnership Agreement

Interested in partnering with Books For Me? Please submit the linked interest form and our team will be in touch within two business days.

Past Program Highlights

From October 2023—May 2024, Books For Me partnered with fifteen Head Start and Judy Center locations. 210 caregivers from 26 zip codes participated, and the program distributed more than 1,700 free books.