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Literacy

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Books Build Connections Toolkit

Early learning resources are provided by the AAP to assist physicians in promoting, helping and guiding parents and caregivers on the importance of early learning, talking and reading for infants and toddlers. This toolkit also shares parent resources to help families learn ways to introduce and explore early learning and reading at home.
aap.org/en/patient-care/
AAP Books Build Connections Toolkit

Bookshare

Customizable ebook library for people with dyslexia, learning disabilities, visual impairments, physical disabilities, and other reading barriers. They operate under exception to US copyright law, allowing a huge collection of copyrighted titles to be made available for readers using a tablet, computer, assistive device, or smartphone. Schools and students can access for free, individuals/adults pay a yearly fee. Individuals must register as members and provide proof of qualifying disability. Find program details and register on their website.
(650) 352-0198
bookshare.org

Braille Reading Pals Club (Early Literacy Program)

Free literacy program for blind and low-vision children 0-8 years old. Families receive free Braille books, activities, birthday cards, and more. Fill out an application and learn about other resources from National Federation of the Blind online.
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
(410) 659-9314
nfb.org/programs-services/early-childhood-initiatives

Central Ohio Public Libraries

Visit your local library to get access to free books, music, movies and documentaries. Many libraries also offer group reading times for children, homework help, job and business help, fun events for all ages, and more. Librarians can often help you get connected to local resources in your community, even if they are not offered directly by the library. Contact your local library to confirm what services they are currently offering.

Ohio

Franklin County

Delaware County

Fairfield County

Hocking County

Licking County

Madison County

Morrow County

Perry County

Pickaway County

Union County

Columbus Literacy Council (CLC)

Offers free adult education programs including literacy classes (including financial, workplace and technology literacy), citizenship classes, ESL, and GED test preparation. They also provide career coaching and entrepreneurship skill building, life and wellness coaching, supportive services for life transitions or re-entry to the community, and supportive services for immigrants and New Americans. Youth programs include tutoring and homework help, summer camps for children ages 7-13 years old, internships, and AMP career and mentorship program for youth and young adults ages 14-24 in Franklin County. Call for program details.

  • Downtown Columbus: 92 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  • Whitehall: 1394 Courtright Road, Columbus, Ohio 43227
  • Reynoldsburg: 5825 Chantry Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43232
  • Cincinnati: 6644 Coffey Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230

(614) 282-7661
clcworks.org

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)

CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, specialized programs, and community events.

  • School Help: K-12 students can get after-school homework help, K-3 students can get extra reading practice with Reading Buddies in person or online, HelpNow offers 24/7 online homework help and test prep, and some locations host After School Snacktimes.
  • Kindergarten Readiness: Find Storytimes, Play to Learn, and Kindergarten readiness classes for ages 0-5. They also have Skill Builder videos with activities you can do together at home.
  • Teen Programs: YouMedia Discord for ages 13-17 to work on music, podcasts, videos, and more with skilled mentors; homework and test prep help, and monthly Teen Spotlight videos.
  • Adult Education: They offer ESOL and GED referrals; free technology business, and coding classes; history and genealogy experts, Digital Navigator staff can help you access hardware and software, and Excel Adult High School allows adults to get their high-school degree in an online, self-paced program.
  • Adaptive Services: Request accommodations, adaptive audio and visual equipment, and large print reading materials.

(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
columbuslibrary.org

Day By Day Ohio

A website featuring a song, a video, activities, and book recommendations for every day of the year to build literacy skills in young children. They also include literacy and health information and an Ohio public library locator map.
daybydayoh.org

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio (Free Books for Young Kids in Ohio)

Provides free books to children from birth to age 5. Through the partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, you can sign up to get a free book very month for your child. The sign-up process is very easy, and can be done with just some basic information. Visit the website to enroll in the program.
Click to enroll: ohioimaginationlibrary.org

Dominican Learning Center

Professional and educational learning center for adults ages 18+. Students are not charged for tutorial services, but those who are financially able are asked to purchase basic texts and materials. Courses include English as a Second Language (ESL), GED high school equivalency in English or Spanish, Adult Basic Education for those looking to improve reading, writing, and math skills, and Citizenship Test Preparation.
672 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 444-7330
domlearningcenter.org

Home for Families (HFF)

Provides wrap-around programming to support families overcoming or at-risk for homelessness. Case managers help families access stable housing, emergency rent and utility assistance, household and hygiene items. Education programs include SPARK for 3-4 year old children not enrolled in Pre-K to prepare for Kindergarten, and STEAM afterschool and summer programs for grades K-8 at Dowd Education Center.
(614) 461-9247
Homeless Hotline (614) 274-7000
homeforfamilies.org

Marburn Academy

Serves: Students Grades 1-12 with learning differences. 
Independent day school for students who learn differently due to executive function difficulties, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia. They also offer free educational seminars for parents and professionals, free early reading screenings for K-2 students, private tutoring and summer school. Scholarships, financial aid, and tuition payment plans are available.
9555 Johnstown Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(614) 433-0822
marburnacademy.org

National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind & Print Disabled

A free library program for people with low vision, blindness, or are otherwise print disabled. NLS circulates free books and magazines in Braille or audio formats, delivered by postage-free mail or the Braille Audio Reading Download (BARD) app. Their Kids Catalog has fun books and magazines for kids. Fill out the Information Request form to get started.
(888) 657-7323
loc.gov/nls

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Reach Out & Read (ROR)

Partners with primary care nurse practitioners and doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together starting 6 months to 5 years vaccination or well child visits. Visit the website to find out how teens and adults can volunteer for ROR and how donate new or gently used picture books and board books.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
nationwidechildrens.org/reach-out-and-read

Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC)

Community-based book club program for adolescents and adults with Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. A small group meets with trained facilitators at bookstores, cafés, and public libraries throughout Franklin County. Anyone can participate, whatever their reading or ability level. Members experience an inclusive community focused on reading to learn together and build friendships, rather than learning to read.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 685-6718
Franklin County: nisonger.osu.edu/adolescent/adolescent-clinics-services/next-chapter-book-club
National Website: nextchapterbookclub.org

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)

Statewide nonprofit organization serving educators, agencies, and families of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities in Ohio. Programs include 1:1 reading mentoring, It’s My Turn free online self-advocacy course for middle and high schoolers, Family-to-Family meetings for parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, and parent mentoring. Families and professionals can find helpful trainings, videos, and tipsheets on their website.
125 Executive Drive, Marion, Ohio 43302
(844) 382-5452
ocecd.org

Ohio Digital Library eBook Project

Allows library members to go online and download a wide variety of popular book titles in eBook and audio format. They have curated collections such as Deaf Culture and ASL, New Adult Readers, Teens, and more. Visit the website to see if your library participates, and sign in using your library card or Student ID.
State Library of Ohio
274 East First Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 644-7061
ohdbks.overdrive.com

Reading Rockets

Provides many resources for families, including help for struggling readers, help for kids with dyslexia, literacy apps, webcasts, common core information, book lists, reading classes and more.
readingrockets.org

Sesame Street in the Communities

Offers providers and parents resources to help children thrive and deal with issues that affect children’s lives. Resource topics include health and wellness, social-emotional skills, trauma, diversity and inclusion, and school readiness. They offer videos, games, and worksheets for children to explore, and free webinars for parents and educators.

sesamestreetincommunities.org
To view their additional toolkit: sesamestreet.org/toolkits


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