Madison, Wisconsin – At a recent meeting of Dane County’s Personnel and Finance Committee, the future of the Little Readers program – a free‑books and literacy initiative that reaches more than 2,000 children ages 0 to 5 – hung in the balance. The program, operated by the nonprofit Madison Reading Project, could lose $55,000 in county funding as supervisors work to close an estimated $15 million budget shortfall.
Program leaders warn of long‑term impact
Rowan Childs, co‑executive director and founder of Madison Reading Project, told the committee that cutting the $55,000 would not save money but would create a “long‑term deficit” for the community. Childs learned of the proposed cut through a last‑minute budget amendment on Thursday, leaving little time to mobilize support.
“The Little Readers program works with partner agencies to really try and find as many children and families that are really falling between the cracks,” Childs said. “When we have a major cut like that, it is going to affect the partners that we’re working with and ultimately it’s the kids and their literacy that is going to be affected.”
How the funding is used
During the hearing, County Supervisor Richelle Andrae asked for clarification on how the $55,000 is spent. Childs explained that the majority of the money pays for physical materials – books and literacy resources in both English and Spanish – while a portion covers staff time and coordination with partner agencies such as the Salvation Army and The Road Home.
Unlike Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails books directly to homes, Little Readers distributes books through schools, childcare centers and community organizations, reaching families who may not have stable addresses.
Call for restored funding
Madison Reading Project is asking supervisors to restore the full $55,000 or, at a minimum, provide partial funding while the nonprofit seeks additional private support. The county’s budget process continues, with another public hearing scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2, and full board deliberations beginning Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Why early literacy matters
Early childhood literacy is a proven predictor of later academic success. By providing age‑appropriate books and resources to children before they enter kindergarten, programs like Little Readers help build foundational language skills, foster a love of reading, and support parents in creating literacy‑rich home environments.
Community leaders and parents have praised the program for its ability to reach vulnerable families, especially those experiencing housing instability or limited access to traditional library services.
Next steps for the county budget
The proposed cut is part of a broader effort by Dane County officials to balance a $15 million gap in the 2027 fiscal year. While the county must make tough choices, advocates argue that protecting early‑literacy funding is an investment in the next generation of citizens and aligns with the county’s long‑term educational goals.
Supervisors will consider the testimony from Madison Reading Project and other stakeholders before the final budget vote in early November. Residents who wish to weigh in can attend the upcoming public hearings or submit comments to the County Board’s website.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
