Literacy in Community (LINC)

???? Diversity in children's books isn’t optional—it’s essential! That’s why our #DiversityThroughLiteracy is back this April with seven events across NYC, celebrating the voices, cultures, and identities that shape our world. ????????? Meet local authors—Susie Jaramillo, J de la Vega, Dan Saks, and Javaka Steptoe—who will share their stories, while families take part in songs ??, crafts ??, and early literacy activities ?? that educate and empower. Diverse representation in children’s literature is so important—it turns books into mirrors, windows, and doors to endless possibilities. Since 2021, "Diversity Through Literacy" has: ?? Partnered with 13 local authors ?? Shared 1,125+ books from diverse creators ?? Welcomed a Broadway star As Laura Walsh, LINC's Chief Program Officer, put it: “We want children to see reading and writing as a superpower that they use to engage with their story and the stories of people in their community.” Let’s raise the next generation of thinkers, readers, and changemakers—one book at a time. ?? Sign up for your next LINC reading adventure here: lincnyc.org/programs. A huge thank you to Fidelis Care - New York for partnering with us to champion diversity in children’s literacy and help bring these stories to life! ????

We are ?? thrilled to welcome Deloitte as a sponsor of LINC’s 2025 Spring Gala! Their generous support ?? ?? helps us expand literacy-building opportunities for children and families across NYC, ensuring more communities have access to the resources they need to thrive. Join us in making a lasting impact! ?? Explore sponsorship opportunities here: https://lnkd.in/e5FPv2-F X ?? Exciting news! Deloitte is joining us as a sponsor for LINC’s 2025 Spring Gala! Their support helps us expand literacy opportunities ???? for children & families across NYC. Be part of the impact! Learn more about sponsorship: https://lnkd.in/e5FPv2-F

Representation in children’s books isn’t optional—it’s ESSENTIAL. It transforms stories into mirrors, windows, and doors, helping kids see themselves, understand others, and dream big. Join us in April. We’ve created seven exciting family events that celebrate #DiversityThroughLiteracy across all boroughs of New York City.

We're grateful to have been part of C.S. 213’s March Into Literacy Week initiative! ???? It was an honor to collaborate with such amazing partners in inspiring the next generation of readers and writers. ??Here’s to continuing to build a community of confident, enthusiastic learners!

???? Today, we celebrate the birthday of Mimi Levin Lieber, the visionary founder of LINC. Mimi’s dedication to literacy and her belief in the power of community laid the foundation for LINC’s mission to make literacy a right for all children. ??? Since 1996, her legacy has empowered families and children across all five boroughs of NYC, helping them build the literacy skills needed for success. ????? Mimi's approach to education continues to inspire our work, as we remain committed to fostering a love for reading in communities throughout the city. We are honored to carry forward her mission, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Happy Birthday, Mimi. Your impact endures. ????

We’re thrilled to announce that LINC is an Official Charity Partner of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon! ???? ????? For the third consecutive year, LINC is proud to partner with the marathon to support early literacy in New York City’s communities. Our programs span all five boroughs, just like the marathon itself. ????♀??? By joining Team LINC, you'll not only gain entry to the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon but also help fund essential reading programs and book distributions. As a Team LINC runner, you’ll enjoy: ? Guaranteed entry to the 2025 NYC Marathon ? A personalized fundraising page ? Support from LINC’s dedicated team ? Official Team LINC gear ? And the chance to make a real difference! Ready to run for early literacy? Learn more and sign up today: https://lnkd.in/ewi3GrQR

Advocating for Early Literacy in Albany: A Critical Step Toward Change ??♀?????? Last week, the LINC team took action in Albany, advocating for a crucial change in the state budget: the inclusion of early childhood literacy funding. While millions are allocated to adult literacy, there is ?zero? dedicated to the foundational literacy programs that are vital for our youngest learners. Our team spent the day meeting with legislators, walking over 18,000 steps, and raising our voices to make a clear point: ??? early literacy should be prioritized from birth, not just when children enter school. ?????? The first few years of life are crucial for brain development ??, and we know that literacy programs—starting in the home and supported by communities—set children on the path to success. This advocacy is the first step in a long journey to change the way we think about and fund early childhood literacy. The impact will be felt across New York, as we work toward ensuring every child is ready to learn by kindergarten. Read the full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/eqb6hf6n

?? Be a Hero for Young Readers! Every child dreams of heroes—but real heroes make a difference. By sponsoring LINC’s Spring Gala on May 19th at Gotham Hall, you bring early literacy programs to communities that need them most. Strong reading skills open doors to success. Your support fuels young imaginations, builds bright futures, and creates the next generation of heroes. ?????? ????? Can’t sponsor? Join us! Grab your ticket or make a donation—every contribution helps kids start kindergarten ready to read: https://lnkd.in/ekrup9vq

We believe that incorporating fun into learning enhances engagement and fosters a deeper love for education! Thank you NYC Reads Initiative for being an amazing partner! ?? ??

The LINC team had an incredible time at the ????54th Annual NABE (National Association for Bilingual Education) Conference in Atlanta! From engaging discussions to insightful sessions, our staff walked away with valuable strategies to support multilingual learners. ?? Key takeaways: ?? Practical strategies to help children use one language to support their development ?? Play-based approaches to boost early literacy in multilingual kids ?? The importance of bilingual education in shaping the future Their work was met with enthusiasm, and gained valuable insights from the sessions they attended. They're excited to have brought these learnings back to LINC and continue empowering young readers! ??