Literacy in Community (LINC) Announces Annual Reading on the Rails Summer Adventure: Sea LINC Read on Tuesday, July 22! 

 ****Media Advisory****   

Literacy in Community (LINC) Announces Annual Reading on the Rails Summer Adventure: Sea LINC Read on Tuesday, July 22! 

NEW YORK, NY, July 14, 2025 – Whether you “Take the A Train” or a harbor cruise on the Staten Island ferry, you will be in good company on July 22. That’s the day Literacy in Community (LINC), a leading early literacy nonprofit, will hold its 11th annual Reading on the Rails event. This year’s motif is: Sea LINC Read, in recognition of our destination - Coney Island. With the support of lovino Enterprises,* this city-wide reading adventure demonstrates in real time how literacy can take place anywhere and everywhere, inspiring all parents and caregivers of young children to embrace how they can promote learning and literacy in ordinary places throughout the summer months. 

Each July, Reading on the Rails shines a light on the vital role that summer learning plays for our youngest pre-readers. Little kids' brains keep growing during the summer and they need continued stimulation to support healthy brain development. But unstructured time spent away from learning leads to a well-documented “summer slide” and a loss of proficiency as children enter school age; the impact is gravest for low-income children.  LINC’s community literacy model is an antidote.  LINC creates community around reading, connecting families with each other and with educational resources that are already present in their communities. Children experience reading and literacy rich activities as fun at the same time they build skills and routines that will help them be “school-ready.” This is reading that can take place anywhere - on the subway or bus; in bodegas and markets; at the laundromat and in waiting rooms; in local parks and playgrounds; and especially on the way to the beach. 

On Tuesday morning, July 22, LINC families departing in groups from eight neighborhoods via public transportation will make their way to the iconic Coney Island boardwalk, reading, singing, and doing literacy rich activities together and with LINC staff as they go. Upon arrival, all guests will dive into lunch at a local restaurant, Teura, before gearing up for their very own LINC Sea Parade. Each community will represent a different sea creature as they make their way down the boardwalk. All families will receive a complimentary copy of the book When Water Flows by Aida Salazar and the option to tour the New York Aquarium for free that day. 

Join the ride that keeps kids engaged, safe, and healthy - Reading on the Rails: Sea LINC Read and help us make a splash on July 22.

Reading on the Rails: Sea LINC Read families will depart according to the schedule below* and provide opportunities for photos, videos, and interviews with participants.

Reporters wishing to accompany families on this trip or at the boardwalk should contact Virginia Taddoni, Associate Director of Communications at vtaddoni@lincnyc.org or 212-620-5462, ext. 133. 

Parents and caregivers interested in participating in Reading on the Rails: Sea LINC Read may contact Karen Rogel, Director of Strategic Initiatives at krogel@lincnyc.org or 212-620-5462, ext. 122 to register.

* Departures will take place bright and early on Tuesday, July 22.

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• About Iovino Enterprises. Iovino Enterprises, LLC, an employee-owned company, is the parent organization to a family of companies that perform construction services for both public and commercial clients. With over 15 years of experience, their heavy civil and specialty contracting business groups have developed and maintained New York’s infrastructure, establishing themselves as one of the region’s most reputable contractors. Led by Thomas Iovino, who has over 40 years of construction experience, Iovino Enterprises has established itself as a leader in civil, electrical, mechanical, track, and remediation.