New Haven Reads is a nonprofit organization within the heart of New Haven that seeks to provide a means to get more books and read more efficiently. Whether it be due to a lack of books within their area, described as a “book desert”, a geographical location in which books are sparse, or a lack of understanding from a child in school, New Haven Reads provides books and tutoring to help. This is an insider look at how they are able to providing a total of 80,000 books just this year and tutoring over 350 children every week. New Haven Reads is fulfilling their mission “to share the joy and power of reading, New Haven Reads partners with the community to provide free one-on-one tutoring, educational family support, and a book bank to empower aspiring readers to master the literacy skills needed to thrive in school and life.” Learn how to write a clear and effective mission statement just like theirs here.
In this article, a representative from New Haven Reads Fiona Bradford gives us an inside look at New Haven Reads’ story, successes, and future endeavors. Here is an insider look at how this nonprofit was able to bring books and learning to those who do not have readily available access for no cost.
The Facts
New Haven Reads has not only provided 80,000 books this year, but they have also provided one-on-one tutoring to children in school who struggle with reading skills, have donated over 2.5 million books in their total run, and have expanded themselves to cast a larger net across the New Haven area with their services. 91% of students who receive help have said that due to New Haven Reads, they have become better readers. It is exceptional that all of this has been achieved since it was founded by Christine Alexander in 2001.
“The way New Haven Reads Started in 2001 was a book bank. Where people donate gently used books and we distributed them out for free” Bradford said while explaining how the organization has grown since. Bradford discusses how their books get into the hands of young readers and also gives an inside look at how New Haven Reads is battling the issue of book deserts within Connecticut. Books are not only provided to families in need, teachers can also grab books as well for free.
There are field trips to New Haven Reads location on 45 Bristol Street in New Haven where students are shown around to all the books they have to offer and “teachers can take as many books as they like” Bradford said. Everything New Haven Reads circles back to the need within the community for reading and all of the fruits that come with it.
The Need
On the need for reading and books within a household, Bradford said: “There is lots of research to show that if you have more books in your household, your kids are doing better in school, they are more successful, and have more of an opportunity to improve reading skills.” The power of a single book and a helping hand can do wonders for a child’s reading comprehension. Sometimes all it takes is a book and someone to help guide students through areas they are unsure of. While teachers do an amazing job, some students still struggle with reading and finding joy within the pages of a book due to hiccups in understanding the material.
The tutoring from intelligent and well-versed volunteers at New Haven Reads provides one-on-one aid to students who need help on a given topic. As stated before, New Haven Reads was only a book bank at the start, however, they listened to their community, expanded to providing their tutoring services, and found immense success with students in grades K-12.
Their tutoring services are free for any student struggling below reading level within their grade. How they test the students’ improvement is a testing system that roughly measures their reading comprehension throughout the school year roughly.
And don’t think we have forgotten about the books! “We supply books to about 30 different partner organizations that donate our books to locations in need such as doctors offices, pediatrician offices, soup kitchens, and volunteers will drive around with books and replenish neighborhood book boxes as well,” Bradford said, explaining the reach and influence of New Haven Reads. One book bank, one idea, one story has sparked a network of people dedicated to bringing the love for reading into the New Haven community.
The Future
When asked about future plans Bradford spoke about their annual Spelling Bee held on October 25th. This will be the 12th since they started the event. The huge fundraiser event will have teams of three children called “swarms” partaking in a friendly spelling competition. It inspires teamwork, problem-solving, and friendship as the seven teams compete to spell the words out correctly.
The event will occur this October at the Yale School of Management from 7 pm to 9 pm and all are welcome to register here.
Every Story Has a Start
When starting an organization like New Haven Reads, it is important to understand your “why” and try your best to map out the “how.” As seen with New Haven Reads, even stories with a small start can garner a large success. The love for reading and all the benefits that come along with it is spread and taught by New Haven Reads throughout New Haven and it all started with an idea to help the community. This insider look at how successful New Haven Reads has been within their community shows it is possible to be the change you wish to see.
