Why Affordable Housing Communities Choose Raising a Reader
Our programs bring award-winning, high-quality specially curated books and proven family engagement strategies directly to families in your properties. With no extra staff or complex implementation, you can offer a powerful new benefit to residents that supports learning, bonding, and long-term success—and is aligned with federal funding.
- Turn-key Program. Everything you need to launch a successful family engagement and early literacy program — books, guides, and support included.
- Evidence-Based & Trusted Nationwide. Backed by research and implemented in 36 states, Raising a Reader increases kindergarten readiness and builds lifelong reading routines for families.
- Flexible for Your Staff. Works with your existing resident services structure — no educators required.
- Culturally Relevant Books. Curated books that reflect the families you serve with beautiful stories in English, Spanish, and more.
Alignment with Federal Funding and LIHTC Requirements
Raising a Reader supports your compliance with LIHTC family engagement requirements and other federal priorities that emphasize parent engagement, school readiness, and home learning environments.
Our programs are eligible for use under:
- Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS)
- Resident Services funding
- Community Services Block Grants (CSBG)
- Early childhood and family engagement provisions in LIHTC and HUD-supported properties
For a limited time, get 25 free FSRP bags with a new order of $5,000 or more.*
Offer valid through September 15, 2025.
Two Powerful Ways to Spark Reading at Home
Classic Red Book Bag Program
Our flagship program, used nationally by school districts and community providers.
Children receive weekly book bags filled with award-winning, specially curated books to take home and read with their families. Bags are exchanged on a set schedule to encourage consistent, shared reading routines.
- Ideal for classrooms, community centers, or on-site programming
- Books are high-quality, inclusive, and bilingual
- Strengthens family bonds while building literacy routines
Home Library Programs
Perfect for resident services and family engagement programming, our Home Library Programs help families build their own at-home forever book libraries with literacy guidance and family support. There are two options:
- Family Shared Reading Program (FSRP)
Families receive a new book each week along with a family guide designed to encourage meaningful conversations and build reading routines in the home. - Super Summer Learning Adventures (SSLA)
A summer enrichment program that prevents learning loss and boosts reading skills with a fun, at-home approach. - Infant/Toddler Literacy program
Let’s Talk
Email us at hello@raisingareader.org or simply fill out the form below to connect with our team. We’re here to help you explore how Raising a Reader can support the families and children you serve—let’s build brighter futures together.
We make it easy to bring books and reading home.
- Bonus book sets for first-time housing partners
- Materials available in English and Spanish
- Custom support for program rollout and funding alignment