New York, NY  — City’s First Readers (CFR), the New York City Council’s only early literacy initiative, applauds Speaker Julie Menin  and City Council leadership for elevating early childhood education through new committee and subcommittee appointments. “I am so pleased to see Speaker Menin recognize the importance of a child’s earliest years by establishing a Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education within the Committee on Education,” said Emmanuel Novy , Chief of Strategic Initiatives at...

Universal Childcare Is NYC’s Next Big Leap — But Literacy Must Be the System’s Heart By Antonio Reynoso, Shari Levine & Eliana Godoy  New Yorkers agree: universal childcare is core to building a city we can afford. This is not just the opinion of the more than one million New Yorkers who voted to elect Zohran Mamdani for mayor – it is the majority opinion of New York State residents  who support the Mayor’s vision of giving parents the opportunity to work and lowering childcare costs for...

To the editor, a r esponse to “ How Mamdani’s Audacious Child Care Plan Could Work ,” by Rachel Cohen Booth (Opinion guest essay in The New York Times, Dec. 15, 2025) From Eliana Godoy, Deputy Executive Director of Literacy in Community (LINC) Hopes for Mamdani’s Vision for Child Care As an immigrant mother and literacy advocate, I read this essay with both relief and resolve. Relief, because it confirms what families like mine have long known: The child care crisis is not a personal failure...

Literacy in Community (LINC) is thrilled to announce that we have joined the Campaign for Equitable Education Funding (CEEF) . CEEF advocates on both the city and state levels for the resources that our children need. CEEF membership includes 120 advocacy organizations, civil rights organizations, social service providers, and groups representing students, parents, and educators.  Right now CEEF is focused on two very important issues: the state's Foundation Aid formula for NYC needs to be...

Last week, LINC’s Chief Program Officer, Laura Walsh, Chief of Advocacy and Community Mobilization, Albania Jimenez, and Neighborhood Manager for The Bronx, Arisbel Villa joined thought leaders in education from around the globe at the annual SOMOS Conference in Puerto Rico .  SOMOS brings together leaders and learners, activists and artists, public officials and private sector champions with a shared belief that the future must be shaped with our communities, not for them. Laura and her...

Traducción al español aquí As part of LINC, you belong to a growing community of people deeply committed to your success, and now our literacy programs are more accessible than ever!  LINC’s app is officially live and here to help you and your family on a journey to reading readiness.  The colorful and playful graphic elements reflect the LINC brand and make the app easy to use and engaging. From storytime to parent workshops, find family-friendly programs for you and your little one, explore...

New York, NY  — As Speaker Julie Menin  announces her appointments to City Council leadership teams and committees, Literacy in Community (LINC)  extends its congratulations to Council Members serving neighborhoods where LINC provides early literacy programs in partnership with families and community organizations. LINC looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Eric Dinowitz , Chair of the Committee on Education, and welcomes the creation of a Subcommittee on Early Childhood...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW YORK, NY —  Literacy in Community (LINC) applauds Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement advancing New York State toward universal childcare and celebrates Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s leadership in moving New York City closer to delivering on this long-standing promise to families. Together, these commitments represent one of the most significant investments in children, families, and the early childhood workforce in a generation. Universal childcare will bring long-overdue...

Experts share age-by-age book picks to help kids fall in love with reading Literacy in Community (LINC) wants every family to know the joy and power of reading, and on Saturday, December 20, Good Morning America   amplified our message by inviting Literacy in Community’s (LINC) Chief Program Officer, Laura Walsh on the show. Laura passionately described LINC’s mission to provide free books, early literacy programs, and opportunities for parents to learn how best to help their children build...

Literacy in Community (LINC) congratulates Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on his victory and his bold commitment to making universal child care a reality for New York City families. His focus on supporting caregivers and strengthening the city’s affordability addresses the urgent needs of communities across the five boroughs. We are especially energized by what this moment can mean for our youngest New Yorkers. Universal child care presents an extraordinary opportunity—not only to help parents...

On Tuesday, November 11, at Gotham Hill, Literacy in Community (LINC) was the proud Official Charity Partner for the TLC Lions 2025 Human Awards Americas. TLC Lions   is a global firm that helps organizations build workplaces rooted in empathy, authenticity, and humanity . At the TLC Lions Human Awards event on November 11th in NYC, TLC Lions shone a spotlight on individuals and organizations redefining leadership—grounded in purpose, courage, and above all, being human. Literacy starts at...

Hats off to LINC's 2025 NYC Marathon Team: Ashley, Tim, Yaneli, Leemen, and Scott! They joined runners, spectators, and fans from around the globe for a 26.2-mile journey through the five boroughs of New York City, in the name of early literacy. Our team is building healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of reading and running, and we could not be prouder. Congratulations to our entire team for helping to bring the joy and power of reading to New York City’s...