This week, April 6–12, marks National Library Week, an annual celebration recognizing the vital role libraries play in our communities. The theme this year, “Drawn to the Library,” reflects the many ways libraries continue to bring people together—through books, programs, internet access, community events, and welcoming public space. But even as we celebrate, many libraries … Continued
CLiF team / General / Year of the Book
Each spring, the CLiF team gathers to select recipients for our $25,000 Year of the Book grant during the following academic year. The decision is never easy, but this year’s selection process was especially challenging, with many strong applications from across Vermont and New Hampshire. In the end, we chose to expand the program for … Continued
Family literacy / General / Year of the Book
Some of CLiF’s most impactful programming occurs at our Family Literacy events, where parents and caregivers get to join in the fun alongside their children. Designed to promote positivity around reading and writing, these interactive gatherings typically include a storytelling session with a professional CLiF presenter, a community meal, and a book giveaway, where families … Continued
An important component of CLiF’s flagship Year of the Book program is the Momentum grant, a follow-up year of support designed to help schools sustain enthusiasm around reading and writing once their Year of the Book programming concludes. Momentum provides $1,000 toward activities such as family literacy events, author visits, new books, and other opportunities … Continued
CLiF is excited to announce that eight projects across Vermont and New Hampshire have been selected to receive a Literacy Enrichment Grant for Spring 2025. The Literacy Enrichment Grant is a grant program that offers up to $1,000 in funding for project-oriented or experiential learning opportunities that bring literacy to life. The goals of this … Continued
Despite being one of our smaller grant programs, CLiF’s Spark grant plays an important role in helping our organization maintain and revive connections throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. Available to partners who have received a CLiF grant in the past, Spark provides $500 in funding with the goal of building enthusiasm around literacy activities.
CLiF’s 2025 Two-Sentence Story Contest is now open to young writers in Vermont and New Hampshire, ages 12 and under. This year’s theme is “Love.” Prizes will be awarded to top submissions.
When I was a child, everything about the holidays felt glittery and magical. This was undoubtedly due in large part to the tireless efforts of my mother, who was possibly a Claus in some former life. Each year in the weeks leading up to Christmas, she energetically directed us kids through various festive rituals: baking … Continued
We want to offer special recognition to our bookstore friends that have committed to hosting book drives for CLiF over the holiday season. Each of these stores is a community mainstay, and we are very grateful for our shared commitment to inspiring young readers. Just one more reason to shop small, local and literary this season–and every season!
Here’s a peek behind the scenes at how CLiF selects, orders, organizes, and distributes the many thousands of books we give away to under-resourced children in Vermont and New Hampshire each year.
Throughout CLiF’s many years of inspiring a love of literacy among Vermont and New Hampshire children, the power and value of books has been central to our mission. Almost every CLiF event includes a book giveaway with a wide range of diverse books on offer, as well as an in-person presentation by an author or … Continued
Straddling the international border line, and the two towns of Derby Line, VT and Stanstead, Quebec, is the Haskell Free Library & Opera House. This unique and charming public library serves both U.S. and Canadian citizens, and was awarded a CLiF grant for the first time in 2024.
Sometimes I do school and community programs. Some of my books feature newcomer kids. But mostly it was because I was friends with Sara Lesley Warner (@saralesleyarnold – Sara’s pen name). Sara’s a kidlit writer and media specialist at Henry Wilson School, Manchester, NH. So it was Sara who invited me to present with her on the … Continued
When we launched CLiF’s first Two-Sentence Story Contest back in February 2023, we were realistic about our goals and expectations. “Thirty entries would be great,” we agreed. “That would be a success.” The challenge for that inaugural contest was: “Tell us a story about winter.” And, as it turns out, the children of Vermont and … Continued
General / Writing / Literacy Activities
CLiF’s 2024 Two-Sentence Writing Contest is underway! This year’s theme is “Tell Us a Two-Sentence Story That Takes Place in the Sky.” Free to enter, and open to all Vermont and New Hampshire kids 12 and under. Prizes will be awarded to top entries. Submissions must be received by March 29.
CLiF is incredibly fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers whose behind-the-scenes efforts boost our organization’s efficiency and function immeasurably. We recently sat down with Trevor Luce, the tech guru who generously serves as CLiF’s entire IT department, to ask him a few questions about his background with the organization, and what motivates him to volunteer.
The CLiF Year of the Book grant is a huge deal for schools that are selected. It’s a massive infusion of funds, support, and events designed to help a school build a culture of literacy over the academic year. And, of course, they get lots of books! Students (grades preK-6) each get to take home 10 new, high-quality books that they choose for themselves from a diverse selection.
It’s never too early to start reading with your child. Because our brains begin to develop the building blocks of language during infancy, even newborn babies benefit from being read to by a parent or caregiver. Not only does reading aloud to your child help build their listening skills, vocabularies and attention spans, it is also a great opportunity to bond and create positive memories together.
CLiF has served over 350,000 children since 1998.