Nebraska Growing Readers is a partnership between Nebraska Department of Education, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, the Statewide Family Engagement Center, and Unite for Literacy to expand access to books across the state by identifying book deserts within Nebraska and providing those communities with greater book access.
Highlights of the program include:
- Initial investment in 18 sites across Nebraska with the first site to open at Educare Indian Hill.
- A $2 million commitment from the Nebraska Department of Education to provide age-appropriate books to families and providers.
- An initial impact on approximately 16,000 children, 12,000 households, and 1,000 early childhood providers.
- Intentionally address the need for relevant books that reflect the cultures and languages of Nebraska’s Tribal Communities and diverse populations.
For questions about Nebraska Growing Readers, please visit our FAQ page.
“It is well known that children learn to read through third grade, then they read to learn. With this investment we want to help more families give their children the best chance to succeed.”
--Commissioner of Education Brian Maher
Initial Investment Communities
"Nebraska Children envisions a state where every child has the resources and support to thrive. We are excited to partner with the Nebraska Department of Education and Unite for Literacy on this statewide effort to expand access to books for Nebraska’s youngest children as well as encourage parents to read with their children on a daily basis.”
--Mary Jo Pankoke, President and CEO of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
Nebraska Growing Readers Unite for Literacy Library
By linking to the Nebraska Growing Readers Library, you can access age-appropriate books for children that are offered in both English and Spanish. More information about the Unite for Literacy library will be posted soon.
