Dear Friends,
At Link to Libraries, we don’t just think that books can change the world, we know it. How? Because the research is clear. Increasing a child’s access to books is one of the most effective ways to create and inspire young readers, and learning to read proficiently is a child’s best chance for success in school and in life. By increasing their access to books at home and in school, Link to Libraries strives to inspire young readers and enhance the language and literacy skills of children of all cultural backgrounds.
Since our inception in 2008, Link to Libraries has put over one million new books into the hands and homes of school children, the vast majority of whom have never previously owned a book. While we are proud to have touched the lives of so many, we are challenged by the ever-increasing need in our communities. Through the support of our volunteers and the generosity of individuals and local businesses in the communities we serve, our ability to impact the lives of underprivileged children increases exponentially.
We hope that you will take a moment to explore the different programs we offer and the many different ways in which you might get involved. Our volunteers range in age from 4-80 years old, and there is a wide variety of ways in which to help based on your interests and the time you have to give. It takes a village to ensure that children in need in our community are given every chance for success. We thank you, from the bottom of our bookish hearts, for your support.
Sincerely,
Laurie Flynn
President & Chief Executive Officer
"My time at Link to Libraries began as a volunteer, finding so much joy as a classroom reader at Indian Orchard Elementary in Springfield. Over the years, I have chaired Link to Libraries galas, organized familiy events and managed the Link to Libraries website. My two young children have also enjoyed giving back through the Link to Libraries Littles volunteer program. With extensive fundraising, marketing and communications experience, I am excited to officially be a part of Link to Libraries and further support its ever important mission of increasing childhood literacy in our community."
Amy Anderlonis
Executive Vice President
About Our Co-Founders
As a young child, Susan Jaye-Kaplan, would take her younger siblings to the Boston Public Library everyday after school in search of a safe place to get lost in a story. It was there in the children's room that she discovered the power of books and reading. After moving to Western Massachusetts, Susan became deeply concerned by the number of children in the region who struggle in school because of their inability to read proficiently. She co-founded Link to Libraries in 2008 as a way to give children in need the tools to succeed. Susan is also the co-founder of The Women's Leadership Network, Go FIT(c), and the Pioneer Valley Women's Running Club (PVWRC).
Janet M. Crimmins is a graduate of Elms College in Chicopee, MA and holds a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is a licensed Speech and Language Therapist providing communication intervention to children ages 3 - 12 years. Ms. Crimmins specializes in promoting early childhood literacy skills, enhancing language and social pragmatic skills and providing specialized techniques to teachers and parents.
Our Mission
Link To Libraries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to distribute new books to the school and home libraries of children in need. By increasing a child's access to books, Link to Libraries strives to enhance the language and literacy skills of children of all cultural backgrounds.
