READY READERS NEIGHBORHOOD READING CAPTAINS PROGRAM
2026
Project Overview
Cornerstone CDC worked with Ready Readers to pilot Neighborhood Reading Captains Program in the West End. To launch the partnership, Cornerstone created the event series, "Seasons of Wonder Story Times and Storytelling," a literacy initiative to activate West End families and neighborhood partners to spark and sustain a love for reading in our youngest residents. Cornerstone continues to support the now established Ready Readers initiative, initially organizing signature events that target our youngest neighbors and residents, specifically the bi-annual West End Wonderland event and West Side Love Story Valentine’s event, and continuing to integrate literacy experiences in our outreach events.
Project Partners
Ready Readers
Regions Bank
Books for Newborns
West End Neighbors
St. Louis Association of Community Organizations
Current project Status
The pilot was successfully completed and has since expanded to multiple neighborhoods. Ready Readers remains active in the West End, and Cornerstone continues as Ready Readers’ official place-based NRC partner, hosting events in coordination with weCollab and the Community Ambassador program.
Planning (Ideas and Funding)
Design (Approvals and Feasibility)
Construction (Building)
Complete (Done)
Activation (Open)
Community Feedback
Ready Readers continues to collect feedback from neighbors and partners about the experience of the program.
Questions
Contact Preashion Peoples with Ready Readers at preashion@readyreaders.org if you have questions.
