Family Reading Partnership of Chemung Valley

The Family Reading Partnership of Chemung Valley

Creating a Culture of Literacy Since 2004

The Family Reading Partnership of Chemung Valley (FRPCV) is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting early literacy and making reading a joyful part of everyday life—especially for children, starting at birth.

Our Mission

To create a culture of literacy in our community where all people experience the joy of reading every day.

What We Do

We provide free books, literacy resources, and read-aloud experiences through a variety of community-based programs: 

• Bright Red Bookshelf
  • Distributes gently-used and new books at locations throughout Elmira, Elmira Heights, Big Flats, Horseheads, and Schuyler County.
• Traveling Bright Red Bookshelf
  • Brings free books and live read-alouds to over 50 events each year, including summer meal sites and Wisner Park Market.
• Books at Birth 
  • Every newborn at Arnot Ogden Medical Center receives a handmade book bag, a board book, a “Read to Me!” onesie, and a message to parents encouraging early literacy.
• Books to Grow On
  • Provides books to children at every well-child visit (ages 4 months–5 years) via local healthcare providers, who also promote daily reading. 
• Banners & Billboards
  • Displays artwork and slogans like “Read to Me! Any Time! Any Place!” on banners and billboards to inspire families to read together.
• Traveling Books
  • Volunteers visit in-home daycare providers monthly with curated bags of books and read to children, leaving books for daily use.
• Book Fest!
  • A free community celebration in May featuring crafts, storytelling, author visits, and book giveaways—plus reading to therapy dogs!
• Read for the Record
  • Supports Jumpstart’s national campaign to get all children reading the same book on the same day in October.

How You Can Help

Your donation puts books directly into the hands of children in our community and fosters a lifelong love of reading. Every dollar supports our free literacy programs.

Donate Today to make a lasting difference in a child’s life!