Early literacy is the foundation of future success.

City’s First Readers engages parents, caregivers, and communities across New York City to ensure all children develop critical early literacy skills.

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About
City’s First Readers

City’s First Readers, an initiative of the New York City Council, is a collaboration of nonprofits and libraries that work together to create opportunities for community driven early literacy programs that benefit children and families from all New York City neighborhoods.

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I never even used to tell her colors like go get a yellow book, a green book, the book with the tomatoes, and now I find myself doing that…

Featured Neighborhood Events

Find free events to learn, play, and discover in your neighborhood

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Resources for Parents

Get tips, advice, and resources for supporting early literacy skills

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City’s First Readers

Preschoolers 3 – 5 Years Old

Parents, you are your child’s first, and most influential teacher! City’s First Readers has a number of resources to help you build strong literacy skills with your children. It’s much easier than you think, and we give you ideas to make learning fun for the entire family.

City’s First Readers

Toddlers 2 – 3 Years Old

Parents, you are your child’s first, and most influential teacher! City’s First Readers has a number of resources to help you build strong literacy skills with your children. It’s much easier than you think, and we give you ideas to make learning fun for the entire family.

City’s First Readers

Babies 0 – 2 Years Old

Parents, you are your child’s first, and most influential teacher! City’s First Readers has a number of resources to help you build strong literacy skills with your children. It’s much easier than you think, and we give you ideas to make learning fun for the entire family.