Budding Readers, Inc. is a local (Ontario County, NY) non-profit organization that provides free books and parent guidance about reading to babies and young children.
Our Community Programs in the Bloomfield, Canandaigua, Honeoye, Marcus Whitman, Midlakes, Naples, Red Jacket, and Victor school district communities provide a free “bundle of books” to babies up to 36 months of age (just changed) along with our Parent Guide containing tips for reading to babies and young children. In addition, books are gifted to siblings through age 7.
Budding Readers also has Partnership Programs with a number of local service agencies. Our partnership with the Finger Lakes WIC Program in Canandaigua allows us to provide a new book for each child, as well as parent guidance, each time they come to an appointment in Canandaigua. The partnership with F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua allows us to gift a bundle of books and provide parent guidance to expectant parents attending birthing classes at Thompson. We have recently partnered with Healthy Families – Ontario County. Their program focuses on at-risk families and children with weekly home visits to teach, demonstrate and reinforce positive parenting. We provide the books, while the Healthy Families staff teaches the parents how to read with babies and young children and to enjoy their children’s discoveries. Most recently we are working with Family Promise – Ontario County. Their focus is on working with homeless families, assisting them in finding employment and permanent housing. Once families accomplish these goals and “graduate”, Budding Readers will provide a bundle of books each child through age 11.
Budding Readers is proud to be an all-volunteer organization, with no paid staff. Many of our volunteers are current or retired educators (teachers & librarians).
Budding Readers, Inc. is an independent 501 (c)(3), supported solely through charitable contributions, grants, and donations of books. Budding Readers, Inc. is also registered with the New York State Charities Bureau. All donations are tax-deductible.
