Reader to Reader, Inc.

Mission & History

Reader to Reader, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to expanding literacy and learning opportunities for the world's most chronically underserved and vulnerable communities. We accomplish this through innovative literacy programs that leverage community relationships to extend the capacity of the education system and community-based organizations to transform struggling students and at-risk individuals into joyful and engaged lifelong learners.

In 2002, Reader to Reader began meeting literacy needs through a single book donation program. Since then, we have helped to channel resources worth over $50,000,000—including computers and over 4,500,000 books—to over 600 under-resourced schools and libraries in the U.S., South America, Eastern Europe, and Africa. In 2012 the organization was honored as a Massachusetts Literacy Champion for our commitment to the literacy needs of communities across the state.

Reader to Reader knows that being literate is necessary for everyday living, but we also know that to be a reader is to be empowered—empowered to become a more resilient individual with broader perspectives who can move beyond challenging life circumstances. And we know that this type of empowerment strengthens larger communities.

Programs

Reader to Reader currently operates two types of programs across the U.S. and internationally: donation programs and literacy programs. Through donation programs, we leverage the support of volunteers to channel hundreds of thousands of books annually to under-resourced schools, libraries, shelters, and community centers. We distribute donated computers to the most needy schools and libraries, most of whom have lost their technology to natural disasters.

Through five different innovative literacy programs, we leverage technology and relationships with school districts, colleges and universities, educators, writers, and artists to help low-income and minority populations become empowered readers.