From the dream of a single librarian to a nationwide movement, Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI) has been transforming classrooms and changing lives for 35 years. Founded in Philadelphia in 1988, CLI began as a grassroots effort to champion literacy and quality literature. Today, we reach over 70,000 students and empower more than 3,500 teachers annually across the nation.
Linda Katz, a dedicated librarian, saw firsthand how many children struggled to read at grade level and lacked access to engaging books. Her interactions with parents and children revealed a deeper need—educators required tools and training to foster early literacy.
Linda, alongside co-founders Pat Federman and Marcia Moon, launched initiatives like Rainbow Readers, the Children’s Expo Book Fair, and the nationally broadcasted Mrs. Bush Story Time. Inspired by the guiding principle from John Dewey, “What the best and wisest parent wants for his child, that must we want for all the children of the community,” they laid the foundation for CLI.
Their journey uncovered a crucial insight: simply providing books wasn’t enough. Teachers needed ongoing support to create sustainable change. This realization transformed CLI’s model into a hands-on, relationship-based coaching approach that continues to drive educational equity today.
CLI’s mission is rooted in dismantling structural racism by equipping Black and Latinx children with anti-racist early literacy instruction and advocacy. By focusing on early literacy and cultural competency, we work to close the opportunity gap and empower students to reach their full potential.
Learn how CLI’s services are driving equitable outcomes for students. Discover Our Impact.
What started in Philadelphia has expanded to communities across the U.S., including Denver, Chicago, Houston, Broward County, and more. We continue to refine our approach, grounded in the belief that well-supported teachers can transform the lives of their students.
See the transformative power of our instructional strategies in action. Read More
For 35 years, CLI has empowered teachers and students alike. Looking forward, our vision remains unwavering: a nation where every child, regardless of background, has the literacy skills needed for a lifetime of success.
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Be part of the change. Learn how you can partner with CLI. Support CLI
What started in Philadelphia has expanded to communities across the U.S., including Denver, Chicago, Houston, Broward County, and more. We continue to refine our approach, grounded in the belief that well-supported teachers can transform the lives of their students.
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