Science of Reading

Cover of Ready Set Letters booklet developed with The Reading Institute.

Brooklyn Public Library is partnering with The Reading Institute (TRI) on a Science of Reading initiative funded by the Heckscher Foundation to strengthen early literacy practices across the library system. This work translates research into practical, joyful strategies librarians can use every day—from building phonemic awareness in storytime to supporting multilingual families and helping caregivers understand how children learn to read.

As part of this initiative, our team is co-developing hands-on, research-aligned materials such as Ready, Set, Letters!—an activity book with engaging letter and sound resources designed to support alphabet knowledge, phonemic awareness, and meaningful print interactions in playful, developmentally appropriate ways. Alongside staff training and collaborative planning, these tools help bridge research and real-world library practice. Grounded in the Science of Reading and centered on equity, play, and relationships, the goal is to ensure every child and family has access to high-quality early literacy support in welcoming public library spaces.