Big change starts with small action. If you are looking to make a difference in the world, the best place to begin is right here, in our very own community. Help us make New Haven a better place for our children.
Want to know what it’s like to be a tutor at New Haven Reads? Click here to read all the information you need.
If you would like to volunteer, please fill out this application today!
We recently made a delivery of books to Seth G. Haley Elementary School in West Haven. We delivered to three classrooms where each student received 2-3 gently used books. The classroom teachers also received 2 brand new books for their classroom library. We love seeing the excitement of the students and a few students opening the box of books immediately!
Our Book Bridge Program is currently full, but we have a waitlist opportunity for the spring.
If you are interested in being added to our waitlist, please fill out this form.
Any questions? Email: books@newhavenreads.org
Lots of people are asking us about how New Haven Reads is coping in this uncertain funding environment.
Because of the tremendous need for our literacy programs, we are deeply committed to providing this important work for our students. With your support, we can do so.
Like many nonprofits, New Haven Reads is preparing for the possibility of budget cuts due to the uncertain funding environment. These cuts could reduce the breadth of our services at a time when need and demand are increasing.
At New Haven Reads, we are committed to providing free literacy tutoring to children, but we can’t do it alone. We invite you to stand as a partner with us in this mission.
Here’s how you can help:
Because of your dedication and generosity, New Haven Reads has served over 10,000 children and distributed 2.8 million books in the past 25 years.
Thank you for partnering with us now and into the future to build the next generation of readers.
Our students at Bishop Woods celebrated their reading challenge with a Wig Bash! The students were recognized for all their hard work this year. Everyone enjoyed awards, games and cake. We loved having our students, tutors, families and staff come together for an afternoon of literacy celebration. Our students work hard all year and we are happy to be able to acknowledge their work and celebrate them. What a fun way to celebrate!
Read all about what New Haven Reads has been up to recently in our beautiful community here!
Read all about what New Haven Reads has been up to recently in our beautiful community here!
Name: Da’Veona Parker
Hometown: New Haven, CT
College and Major: Albertus Magnus College; Psychology in Counseling and Mental Health with a concentration in Criminal Justice
Clubs: Arts and Crafts Club, Elephant and Piggie Club
Favorite Childhood Book: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
I was looking for an internship my Sophomore year of college. While looking I knew that I wanted my first internship to be impactful not only for myself but for those that I am working for and with. I knew I wanted to be involved as much as possible and very hands on, so when I came across the opportunity to be a part of New Haven Reads I was more than happy to accept. So after the interview New Haven Reads had all of these qualities and with hopes of being offered the position I felt like this is the place that I needed to be. I was very excited especially since I knew that working with kids is something that I hope to continue to do in the future.
From my first day at my Willow Street internship site, I was thrilled to be a part of the experience. From being able to help different kids from different backgrounds. To learn how to approach them throughout the weeks of the internship; such as writing, reading, and spelling. While having so much fun being creative running the Arts and Crafts Club. As well as the Elephant and Piggie Club to teach them about life lessons that they are going to take with them. Seeing smiles on their faces as I am teaching and tutoring them they have never learned before. I also loved seeing how they are able to express themselves in different games that we will play at the end of the hour each day.
Each tutoring session taught me that every kid comes with their own style of learning. From the start of my internship, I knew being flexible and adapting to different situations was something that I will be stronger at. Every time I enter a new session I am always very open minded to what the kids would want to do but never lose sight of the goal of the program. Which is to help them keep their skills strong while summer is occurring. I have enjoyed the weeks that I have been here and I am more than happy to continue this internship for the rest of my time at New Haven Reads.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to work at New Haven Reads this summer. It has given me so much insight on what I can expect in future careers working with kids. This is my first experience as an intern, and I am sure that it is one I will forever mention. I have met many people who have taught me wonderful things and made my working environment one of the best I’ve ever experienced. I can’t wait to finish the summer and learn many more things while also being a good role model for the kids that love it here as well.
Read all about the end of our summer and back to school below!
Back to School 2024
New Haven Reads once again participated in the Elm City Freddy Fixer Parade! This year marked the 57th year this parade was held in New Haven. New Haven Reads helped to kick off summer reading by handing out almost 1,000 books to children lining Dixwell Avenue on Sunday. It is one of our favorite days of the year and we are already looking forward to 2025!
To read more about the parade from the Arts Council of Greater New Haven click here.
Monday: 1pm-7pm
Tuesday: 1pm-7pm
Wednesday: 1pm-7pm
Thursday: 12pm-6pm
Friday: 12pm-5pm
Please call to confirm that these hours are accurate. Hours are subject to change when we are on break. All break hours are posted in the scrolling header here on our website, as well as our social media.
45 Bristol Street
New Haven CT 06511
203.752.1923
EIN 760807330
New Haven organizations donating books, technology (WTNH 11.13.25) A Storybook Season: The Study at Yale and New Haven Reads (Info New Haven 10.28.25)
Founded to share the joy and power of reading, New Haven Reads partners with the community to provide free one-on-one tutoring, educational family support, and a book bank to empower aspiring readers to master the literacy skills needed to thrive in school and life.
Check out our latest video here!
