2026 Beneficiary

DIRIGO READS

Dirigo Reads is a statewide, volunteer-run organization that believes every child deserves the opportunity for asuccessful future. Toward that end, their mission is to provide a new book to first graders in Maine public schools during every month of the school year. To date, Dirigo Reads has served students in more than 100 schools across Maine’s 16 counties, providing more than 3,500 kids—roughly one-third of all Maine first graders—with new books.

Studies have shown that strong literacy skills have a direct correlation to a person’s self-worth, health, and the ability to achieve a fulfilling career. By providing children access to one new book a month during the school year, Dirigo Reads open doors to a brighter future.

Dirigo Reads’ mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of children in Maine through literacy and share a little optimism along the way. This is accomplished by giving first graders in participating schools a brand new book to keep during every month of the school year. Last year, Dirigo Reads served more than 3,500 children in 106 schools across Maine’s 16 counties. Since the program began in 2019, Dirigo Reads has distributed more than 103,000 books to first grade students in participating schools.

Learn more about Dirigo Reads, here.