BOOKS ACROSS STAMFORD

Books Across Stamford is an engaging literacy program focused on motivating children to read by distributing new, free books and literacy resources to economically disadvantaged children and families. Each year, SPEF aims to distribute at least 5,000 books throughout Stamford to help children, Pre-K through fifth grade, build home libraries.

Special Partnership with RIF

In March of 2022, we were notified by Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) that, through a collaborative effort, $250,000 in congressional funding had been secured as part of the FY22 federal appropriations process to deliver children’s literacy programming via SPEF. Together with community partners, such as the Ferguson Library and Stamford Public Schools, SPEF provided Stamford’s educators, families and students with books and literacy resources to inspire a love of reading. Specifically, we helped Pre-K through 8th grade students build their home libraries and expand their books access through a mix of print books (36,000+) and digital books (via Skybrary classroom licenses). This infusion of critically needed literacy resources served to support children’s reading development while furthering a culture of literacy at school and home.

Happiness is a New Book – or Two!

This summer, SPEF visited 15 locations throughout Stamford, including the Boys & Girls Club, INTEMPO, the Stamford Recreation Camps, B1C, and all four elementary summer school locations in our district. Children selected two new books to bring home and enjoy. During this Summer Series, SPEF distributed 5,000 new books to approximately 2,500 students.

In addition to our Summer Series, every year since 2013, SPEF has been hosting two large-scale book giveaways with The Ferguson Library.  Approximately 600-700 books are distributed to 300-400 children at each event. These events include guest readers, professional storytellers, arts & crafts activities, and snacks for all who attend.