Ready Readers
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Expanding early literacy through high-quality books, strong relationships, and community connections.
Our Vision: All children who participate in the Ready Readers program
enter kindergarten with the skills to be ready to read,
as defined by state early learning standards. Ready Readers began in September of 1997 when Pat Simons, Founder and retired Executive Director, and three other St. Louisans organized to help prevent, rather than remediate, reading problems among children living in poverty. Pat designed a program to excite preschool children about the world of books, so that they would want to read when they were ready. In 1999, an independent Missouri nonprofit corporation named Ready Readers was formed and a Board of Directors was established.. Ready Readers received tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status in June of 1999. Ready Readers is premised upon the well-studied fact that children who are unmotivated to become readers rarely learn how to read well. Wanting to learn, however, depends upon regular exposure to reading aloud and access to children’s books at home. Children living in poverty are insufficiently exposed to regular read-aloud sessions, and they lack sufficient access to books. Nearly two-thirds of low-income American children have no books at home. (Source: Reading Literacy in the United States, 1996; Magnitude, Facts on Illiteracy, www.firstbook.com)
To begin closing the achievement gap between low-income children and those who are more fortunate, we must make sure that underserved children have access to more books at home. Early intervention such as ours – which supplies weekly read aloud sessions and gives each child a regular supply of picture books – works to motivate pre-kindergarten children to want to learn to read. (Source: Ready Readers 2005 Study of Outcomes and American Academy of Pediatrics Reach Out and Read program studies, www.reachoutandread.org.)
09/25/2026
Come enjoy a night of friendly competition while supporting early childhood literacy. Attend Trivia Night on Saturday, November 7!
The night includes:
* Beer, soda, water, and snacks
* Exciting 50/50 raffle
* Attendance prizes
* Mulligans and more!
Tables of 10 are available for just $350. We hope to see you there! https://rreaders.givecloud.co/product/01FAAF0/trivia-night-2026
09/24/2026
Thank you and congratulations, Frizz Fest for another magical experience! The day was full of joy, care, and abundance, warmth, hospitality, and a deep sense of community support. ☀️🌻
Indeed—anything is possible with partnership.
📸 By: Kiara Fite Tyler Small Tyler Small
09/22/2026
Wow! More than 150 volunteers helped us kick off the start of the school year at our Volunteer Welcome Back events!
We’re building a coalition of supportive adults to share stories with kids where they live, learn, and play. Volunteers, teachers, families, and community partners all pitch in to help kids build the skills they need to become successful readers!
We rely on volunteers for so much—thank you for all you do!
Eager to get involved? Visit readyreaders.org/get-involved to learn more.
09/14/2026
A big thank you to our Young Professionals Group for their ongoing efforts to support STL early childhood educators in meaningful ways.
This weekend, Young Professionals welcomed teachers to Ready Readers for a Books & Classroom Supply Fair with gently-used children’s books, classroom supplies, toys, décor, educational materials, and more to help enrich classrooms.
And thank you to all early childhood educators for all you do to support children’s growth and development.
09/11/2026
This Sunday is Grandparents Day! 💛
Here are a few our favorite books that celebrate the special bonds between children and grandparents!
📖 One, Two, Grandpa Loves You by Shelly Becker and Dan Yaccarino (coming to classrooms soon!)
📖 Me and the Family Tree by Carole Boston Weatherford and Ashleigh Corrin
📖 Shhh! The Baby’s Asleep by JaNay Brown-Wood & Ellissambura
📖 Go, Grandma, Go! by Lynn Plourde and Sophie Beer
For families in our Storytime Program, which of these titles is a favorite in your home?!
To all the grandparents out there — that you for the love, laughter, wisdom, and adventures you share with the little ones in your life.
09/04/2026
Our annual Trivia Night is happening Saturday, November 7, and we’re looking for sponsors to help make the night a success! Become a Trivia Night sponsor and help us plug kids into the joy of books and reading! 📚
https://tinyurl.com/RRTriviaSponsor
09/03/2026
The Ready Readers office will be closed beginning at 12:30pm today (Thursday, September 3) as we Welcome Back volunteers!
09/02/2026
A reading routine is a back-to-school essential! Thanks Fox2Now's Studio STL for helping us highlight the importance of reading with young children early and often. Check it out!
Help set your student up for success with Ready Readers! ST. LOUIS – As families settle back into school-year routines, Ready Readers reminds parents that books and daily reading are an essential part in helping children prepare for school success in the…
08/31/2026
Meet the Ready Readers team! 📚
We are dedicated to making sure STL children discover the joy and power of literacy — spreading book joy and connecting children, families, educators, and communities with essential early literacy experiences.
We’re proud to be part of the work—and grateful to do it together! ✨
08/14/2026
Thanks again to the families who joined us for our first ever Family Day. Here are a few more moments from this special morning!
Helping families build shared reading routines and home libraries is an essential part of our mission. Parents and caregivers are a child’s first and most important teachers! Even 10-15 minutes of reading a day makes a difference. Talking and singing help build literacy skills too.
A huge thank-you to everyone who helped make the day possible! 👏
📸 by Tyler Small
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Telephone
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Address
10403 Baur Boulevard Suite H
St. Louis, MO
63132
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
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