Boston Reads
It all starts with a story.
Before we speak, before we read, before we understand the world...We listen.
And what we hear first shapes everything that follows.
When we read stories to our children, we give them a head start on life.
We light a spark that grows into language, learning, and opportunity.
When we read stories to our children, we open their heart, we open their eyes, we open their world.
So let's start at the very beginning. With a story.
Boston Reads is the City of Boston’s new literacy initiative, building on the legacy of ReadBoston with a bold, unified vision for early childhood development. Led by the Mayor’s Office of Early Childhood, Boston Reads brings together Boston Public Schools, Boston Public Library, Boston Public Health Commission, and community partners to streamline family access and deliver a more cohesive literacy experience citywide.
Boston Reads aims to cultivate a lasting culture of reading in any language, where literacy is embedded in everyday life, supported by community partners and celebrated across neighborhoods. Through new, collaborative programs, parent engagement efforts, and cross-sector initiatives, Boston Reads empowers every Boston family to help their children grow as confident, joyful readers.
Initiatives
Story Stops
Read about our city with interactive stories located across Boston that highlight specific landmarks and activities
Hello Hatchling
Coming soon!
Learn about Boston Public Library's newborn/infant early childhood literacy package
Access FOCUS Curriculum: pre-k through 2nd grade
Explore the Focus curriculum to experience what kids are learning at Boston Public Schools and Boston Pre-K, K0-2nd grade
Talk, Read, Play, Write, Sing
Explore the learning opportunities that happen through everyday routines emphasising that parents are their child’s first and most important teachers.
Great Starts
Find high quality childcare and educaiton for your child by exploring your options on Great Starts
Decodable books
Access a library of decodable books designed to support early readers by using words with sounds and spelling patterns children have already learned.
Partners
The City of Boston has a rich array of community based partners that work with families on early childhood development and literacy at all ages.
