Children's Literacy Initiative

08/26/2026

Today, we honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Dolly Parton. She was a storyteller whose belief in the power of books opened new worlds for millions of children.

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, more than 330 million books have been gifted to children around the world, helping generations of young readers build home libraries, discover the joy of reading, and imagine what is possible for their futures.

Dolly once said, “I want to be known more for books, than looks in my life.”
Among her many remarkable accomplishments, we are grateful that she chose to make literacy such an enduring part of her legacy.

Thank you, Dolly, for believing so deeply in children, in books, and in the dreams that begin when the two come together

08/26/2026

A new school year is here. 💙

With it comes new relationships to build, new challenges to navigate, and new opportunities to help children learn, grow, and discover what they are capable of.

Student success is strengthened by an entire community: teachers, school leaders, families, staff, coaches, and so many others who show up every day in support of children.

To all of our educators and school communities, thank you for the care, commitment, and energy you bring to this work.

Wishing you an inspired school year filled with connection, growth, and possibility!

08/17/2026

As Berkeley County Schools prepares for the year ahead, its leaders are doing more than setting goals. They’re creating the conditions to lead with greater intention.

Earlier this summer, CLI welcomed new and new-to-the-district principals for a two-day New Leader Institute focused on one essential question: How can school leaders protect more time for the work that matters most?

Together, leaders explored practical strategies for balancing operational demands, strengthening instructional leadership, providing meaningful feedback, and building focused 30-60-90-day plans.

One participant reflected:

“As a veteran educational leader with extensive K-12 experience, this institute has tooled me with strategies and models to ensure I have more time to be a better instructional leader of my school.”

We’re proud to continue our partnership with Berkeley County Schools as they invest in leaders and build the conditions for strong teaching and meaningful learning.

07/23/2026

A special thank you to each of our sponsors. Events like Literacy Lights the Way are only possible because of partners who believe deeply in children, educators, and families. Your generosity helped create an evening filled with celebration, connection, and hope.

07/22/2026

Congratulations to our Literacy Lights the Way raffle winners!

We hope you enjoy your book collections, Lakeshore shopping experience, and catered meal from 12th Street Catering.

Thank you to everyone who purchased popcorn, entered the raffle, and supported Children's Literacy Initiative throughout the evening.

Every ticket purchased helps create brighter futures through literacy.

07/20/2026

What an incredible evening.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Literacy Lights the Way at Love City Brewing! Together we celebrated a year of impact, heard inspiring stories from classrooms and communities, connected with friends old and new, and reaffirmed our shared belief that every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader.

We are so grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, partnered with us, and helped make the evening possible.

The work continues because of a community like this.

Thank you for helping us light the way.

07/14/2026

The celebration comes with a few extra surprises.

Guests at Literacy Lights the Way: Pop, Pour & Celebrate will have a chance to win raffle prizes from generous local and education-centered partners. Prizes include:

📚 Lakeshore Learning: Breakfast and an early access private shopping experience at the King of Prussia store, with personalized support for your classroom or home.

🍽️ 12th Street Caterers: A catered meal for up to 10 guests, perfect for family celebrations, holidays, or special occasions.

Join us Thursday, July 16, as we celebrate literacy, educators, community, and the stories your support helps make possible.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4ykuCRh

07/13/2026

This Thursday, we gather for Literacy Lights the Way: Pop, Pour & Celebrate.

Join Children’s Literacy Initiative for an evening celebrating literacy, educators, community, and the stories your support helps make possible.

We’ll come together for popcorn tasting, beverage pairings, raffle prizes, stories of impact, and a toast to the people helping children grow as powerful readers, writers, and thinkers.

We’d love to celebrate with you.

Register today: https://bit.ly/4hbrWix

Join us to celebrate a year of impact and invest in the next generation of readers and thinkers!

07/09/2026

What does it really take to sustain long-term community change?

In a new article, CLI COO Reina Wilkes Prowler reflects on nonprofit sustainability, long-term investment, and why systems change requires organizations that can keep showing up over time.

Read the article here: https://bit.ly/4wzJfhF

Nonprofit sustainability requires more than short-term funding. CLI COO Reina Prowler explores why lasting community impact depends on durable investment.

07/09/2026

We’re one week away from Literacy Lights the Way: Pop, Pour & Celebrate.

On July 16, we’ll gather in Philadelphia to celebrate a year of literacy impact and the educators, schools, partners, and supporters who help make this work possible.

This evening is a chance to pause, connect, celebrate, and invest in what comes next for children, teachers, schools, and communities. We’d love to have you with us.

Save your spot: https://bit.ly/44TsOku