leaders in engaging readers.
The Classic Red Book Bag Program helps families develop,
practice, and maintain shared reading routines critical to early
learning success. Children receive a Red Book Bag each week
filled with award-winning, multicultural books to take home and
share with the caring adults in their life.
Raising more than 1.7 million readers since 1999
In 2020, we served over 150,000 children and families across the nation.
The research is clear – when families are involved, children’s academic achievement improves
Our mission is to engage caregivers in a routine of book sharing with their children from birth through age eight to foster healthy brain development, healthy relationships, a love of reading, and the literacy skills critical for school success.
3,000
Sites in the U.S.
RAR provides training, books, materials, bilingual curriculum, and ongoing support to 285 program partners who administer our programming at nearly 3,000 sites in 36 states.
15 Million
Books in Rotation
Our diverse selection of nearly 3,000 titles includes books in 13 languages and includes ASL, Touch and Feel, Wordless, Special Needs, Native American and BIPOC-focused selections.
39
Evaluations
RAR's programs are evidence-based, scalable and affordable backed by 39 independent evaluations demonstrating our impact over time and across diverse settings.
Starting a program is easy
The Raising A Reader program is flexible and can be adapted to meet the unique needs of children and families.
We will walk you through every step of the way!
Adaptable to many types of settings
Public Libraries
Faith-based Organizations
Migrant Programs
Apartment Communities
Subsidized-housing Programs
Teen-parent Programs
Home-visiting Programs
Community Agencies
Direct-service Settings
As an Employee Benefit
After-school Programs
And more!
Turn-key implementation, flexibility, and support every step of the way!
Invest in Raising A Reader
“Parents surveyed after program participation reported statistically significant changes in the amount of time spent reading to their children, the use of read-aloud techniques, and an increase in the number of books in the home,†said Valerie Wallace, executive director of the Partnership for Children of Wayne County.
Raising A Reader National Office
Sobrato Center for Nonprofits
489 Valley Way, Milpitas, CA 95035
P 650.489.0550 | F 650.489.0551
rarinquiry@raisingareader.org