Reading Legacies

Reading Legacies is on a mission to facilitate supportive relationships for children through family and friends reading aloud with them.

Reading aloud with children is the single most important predictor of a child’s reading success — because the time we share becomes the memories they carry into lifelong learning. During the more than two decades of managing her first nonprofit organization, Founder Betty Mohlenbrock was able to witness the impact that reading aloud with young children has on people of all ages, not just the child

or parents. Her findings, coupled with the personal belief that youth are a powerful and important resource for the future of society, led her to begin shaping the framework for programs that would positively impact all children and youth, especially those who are underserved. We believe that children deserve to feel the security of caring adult relationships and develop a love of reading through the read-aloud experience and you deserve a chance to feel empowered by supporting children in your community. We value service to others as a powerful method for personal growth. We help reconnect families using the power of reading together so that children feel loved, setting them up for emotional, social, and educational success. Our vision is that all children will feel the security of caring adult relationships and develop a love of reading through the read-aloud experience. To learn more about Reading Legacies and our work, please visit readinglegacies.org.

1. We value children and youth as powerful and important resources for the future of any community.
2. We value intergenerational social interaction as an opportunity to share cultural heritage and values.
3. We value reading aloud as an effective medium to build relationships and develop an interest in reading.
4. We value service to others as a powerful method for personal growth and increase in self-worth.
5. We value our relationship with our community and our country as a public trust by providing services with the highest integrity and sound business practices. BOOK BRIDGES PROGRAM

The Book Bridges program helps children transcend the bars that separate them from their incarcerated loved ones. Parents are trained to read aloud to their children on video, forming healthy and lasting bonds and learning about the importance of reading aloud with children. Volunteer facilitators offer tips and tools to make the shared reading experience fun and valuable to the child. After the incarcerated parents read aloud on video, the video link and storybook are sent to the children at home to be enjoyed time and again. YOUTH READERS PROGRAM

The Youth Readers program benefits teens, young children, and the communities in which they live through the simple yet magical experience of reading together. High school students volunteer to read with preschool-aged counterparts on a regular basis, which enhances the teen’s sense of self, helps them realize their community leadership potential, and allows them to experience the impact of making a difference in the life of a young child. To sign up to volunteer, please send an email to [email protected]. FIRST TEACHERS PROGRAM

Every minute you read to children makes a difference. Empowering parents as their children’s “first teachers” is a pillar of educational and emotional success. The First Teachers program includes a series of workshops that encourage parents to trust their instincts, gather resources, and read aloud regularly to prepare their children for success in school. This program aims to engage parents in the development of their children through discussion and collaboration. Members of the Reading Legacies Board, Staff, community partners, and parents regularly discuss personal and research-based insights on the benefits of reading aloud with children. GRANDPARENT STORYBOOKS PROGRAM

Our Grandparent Storybooks program is designed to enhance intergenerational family relationships by sharing memories and family values through storybooks. The purpose of this program is to provide meaningful communication between generations as they read aloud together, using technology to bridge geographical separations and to enhance familial interactions. Seniors are coached and recorded on video reading a favorite book to their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other loved ones. The recording and book are sent to the family to be enjoyed and cherished time and again. A true “Reading Legacy” is created as readers reflect on their own memories and life experiences as they read the story aloud. It’s a gift to be treasured by generations!

06/20/2026

This Father’s Day, we celebrate the many fathers we’ve encouraged and empowered through Reading Legacies over the past 17 years.

The words shared by fathers in our programs remind us why this work matters. Reading aloud strengthens relationships, builds confidence, and creates meaningful connection between parents and children—even across distance and challenges.

One father shared:
“Reading aloud with my son will improve our relationship, give him confidence, and encourage reading.”

Another father reflected:
“This program has allowed me to be present in my son’s life even though I am not there. It has given him the gift of seeing and hearing his dad, and knowing he is loved and missed.”

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers who continue to show up and share stories with their children.

Learn more about Reading Legacies and our work in the community at readinglegacies.org

06/19/2026

Juneteenth reminds us that stories matter.

We’re sharing a few book titles for families to read together that explore history, resilience, and the people whose courage helped shape our nation, while building empathy for others.

Reading together opens space for families to explore these stories, ask questions, and grow in understanding together.

• Juneteenth for Mazie — Floyd Cooper
• All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom — Angela Johnson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
• Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free — Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
• Juneteenth Is — Natasha Tripplett, illustrated by Daniel J. O’Brien

06/17/2026

Today is our 17th birthday. 🎉
For 17 years, Reading Legacies has helped families connect through the power of reading aloud, creating moments of comfort, connection, and joy through shared stories.

As we celebrate this milestone, we're also excited to launch Double the Story, our summer matching campaign. Through the end of summer, every donation will be matched, doubling the impact for the families we serve.

Thank you for being part of our story and supporting our mission over the years. ❤️

Visit the link to learn more and help us Double the Story.

https://readinglegacies.org/give/

06/17/2026

Today is our 17th birthday. 🎉

For 17 years, Reading Legacies has helped families connect through the power of reading aloud, creating moments of comfort, connection, and joy through shared stories.

As we celebrate this milestone, we're also excited to launch Double the Story, our summer matching campaign. Through the end of summer, every donation will be matched, doubling the impact for the families we serve.

Thank you for being part of our story and supporting our mission over the years. ❤️

Visit the link in our bio to learn more and help us Double the Story. https://readinglegacies.org/give/

06/11/2026

We’re honored to be an Endorsing Sponsor at the second annual KPBS San Diego Book Festival, presented by the University of San Diego! Join us on Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day celebrating the joy of reading, family connections, and community. All ages are welcome, let’s build generational love through stories together!
KPBS

Learn more here -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kpbs-san-diego-book-festival-registration-1989337228201?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_campaign=campaign_18395154&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Iterable

06/05/2026

We love playing games during our breaks at Family Story Hour ❤️

06/03/2026

Breaking news: Betty, Savannah, and Ixsael have accepted new jobs at KPBS just kidding! Here are a few photos from our behind-the-scenes tour. We had a great time!

06/02/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

We celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and the diverse stories, families, and voices that enrich our communities. Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and represented.

Here's to creating a world where everyone belongs—one story at a time.

06/01/2026

Congratulations, Class of 2026! As you celebrate this incredible milestone, remember that every journey starts with a single step. Whether you're a high school graduate or a college graduate, embrace the road ahead and all the possibilities it holds.

05/29/2026

I’m obsessed with these moments from our last Family Story Hour with Jewish Family Service on 5/21. Seeing children reading to younger kids is truly heartwarming, it’s connection, confidence, and joy all in one, and such a beautiful reminder of the power of shared stories.
Would you like to join one of story hours? Click the link to learn more https://readinglegacies.org/volunteer-2/

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Location

San Diego

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Telephone

(619) 269-2743

Website

http://readinglegacies.org/, https://linktr.ee/readinglegacies, https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Q2g0

Address

2750 Historic Decatur Road Arts
San Diego, CA
92106