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.
To grow into strong readers, children need:
1️⃣ Homes filled with an abundance of engaging and empowering books
2️⃣ Trusted adults who read aloud to them often
Ready Readers provides both—providing more than 17,000 children with literacy experiences and new books to build home libraries (140,000+ just this year).
06/02/2026
Did you know? Reading to children nurtures connection, emotional well-being, and healthy development that can last a lifetime.
All last month (Mental Health Awareness Month!), we were sharing this important message: reading together makes a lasting different on a child’s mental health and well-being.
See the segment on to learn more! https://www.firstalert4.com/video/2026/05/29/books-bonding-emotional-wellness/
📸 🎥 by
06/01/2026
All throughout the month of May, we raised awareness about the connection between early literacy skills and lifelong mental health.
Learn more in this fantastic segment from Show Me St. Louis!
Unlock emotional growth with family storytime During Mental Health Awareness Month, discover how reading can enhance children's emotional wellness, build confidence, and strengthen family bonds. Learn more about Ready Readers' initiative.
05/27/2026
The Ready Readers office will be closed Friday, May 29th until 1pm as we celebrate the incredible volunteers who help power our early literacy efforts. 🎉📚 💛
Employee volunteers from were a huge help last week on their annual Purina Cares Day! Volunteers assembled storybook walks, sorted books, created program materials, and more.
05/21/2026
Please note: the Ready Readers office will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.
Thank you for your ongoing support! 🐶🐱🐾 Here are four pet-themed books that have delighted you f children in our Storytime Program the past few years.
We are excited to host employee volunteers tomorrow in our warehouse for Purina Cares Day!
A is for appreciation! We so appreciate our phenomenal volunteers! Thank you for being such an essential part of the Ready Readers mission.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you at our upcoming Volunteer Appreciation event. 🎉
05/15/2026
🌷🧹 Spring cleaning season is here! Donate new or gently used children's books at our upcoming Book Drive hosted by the Young Professionals Group.
🗓 Saturday, May 23, 2026
⏰ 9 AM–12 PM
📍 10403 Baur Blvd, Suite H, St. Louis, MO 63132
Just drive around to the back warehouse door — we’ll be waiting for you! 🚗📦
Donated children's books will be redistributed to families and teachers during our no-cost summer book fairs. Please no workbooks, textbooks, or books with religious themes.
05/13/2026
Coming soon! Ready Readers Storybook Walks will be popping up in community green spaces next month! This year’s book selection is "You’ve Got This" by Lindsay Bonilla and Keisha Morris—a story that encourages readers to be confident and courageous.
Big thank you to Missouri Humanities, PNC Bank, and Holiday House for helping make this summer literacy experiences possible.
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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 |