SHELTERS In this program CLiF builds on-site libraries, ensures children have books of their own to keep, and gives inspiring storytelling presentations to families and children living in homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters across New Hampshire and Vermont. Many of the families served by these organizations are undergoing difficult times financially, and they typically have few, if any, books of their own and limited access to high-quality children’s books. Most shelters have only a handful of dog-eared books available to read. These children are in danger of becoming estranged from reading itself, and there is an increased likelihood they will grow up with low literacy skills. Through this program, CLiF offers the following support: Books for an On-Site Library: CLiF donates $2,000 worth of new, high-quality children’s books to create an on-site library at the shelter. Representatives from each sponsored site select these books from the CLiF Booklist. Storytelling Presentation: CLiF representatives travel to the shelter to meet with children and families, deliver new books, tell stories, and talk about the joys of words, books, and reading. In addition to providing an inspiring and fun presentation for the children, CLiF is also modeling storytelling for all the families who attend, and encouraging the families to read together. Books for Children to Keep: Each child in the shelter is able to select new children’s books to keep for their own from a large collection CLiF will bring to the storytelling event. The Director of the John W. Graham Shelter in Vergennes, VT commented: "Most of our shelter residents have used the CLiF books. The sponsorship provides an opportunity for children to read and to become readers, and it’s an escape for them. We have a beanbag next to the bookshelf for the children. The books are read daily and I think 20-30 books are used each week. I’ve noticed we have a 5-year-old boy who is very active. He has gone from shelter to shelter. We don’t have much area to play in but for 30 minutes to an hour I’ve found him quietly sitting in the beanbag chair looking at all our animal books. He’s even come to show me some of the books. This is a child who really needs something positive in his life and he’s found that in these books." View a list of Shelter sponsorship sites. Click here to apply for a Shelter grant and learn more about the deadlines and application process. You can also view other comments from individuals at shelters that have received a sponsorship.