Children's Literacy Network

Mission: To design and implement literacy based programs to provide equitable opportunities for children to develop a love of reading and books.

Children’s Literacy Network (CLN) is a volunteer-based nonprofit founded in 1991, dedicated to closing the reading achievement gap for low-income children in Washtenaw County. Through early childhood and school-age programming, we foster a love of reading and provide equitable access to books and literacy support. A proud partner of the Cradle to Career Initiative, CLN ensures children are prepared for kindergarten, reading proficiently by third grade, and on track to graduate. Over the past 34 years, CLN has served over 400,000 children and distributed more than $1 million in high-quality books to build home libraries and support lifelong learning.

CLN delivers free, literacy-based programs that empower children and families:

• BookPALS: A year-long literacy and peer connection program where second graders exchange books and recorded readings with student “pen pals,” ending in a joint celebration.

• FLIP Events: Fun, interactive family literacy nights hosted at schools and Early Learning Centers in Washtenaw and Wayne County.

• Read With Kids: In partnership with Washtenaw Promise this program targets Pre-K through First Grade students with the goal of preparing every student to read at grade-level by second grade. 

• Literacy Pack Project: Distributes books and literacy materials to families in need, especially during times of crisis or school closures.