Born to Read

K-12 Literacy Center

The Born to Read program is designed for expectant parents and parents of young children, age three-years-old or younger, in the Tyler and East Texas region. The program provides parents with the tools they need to support their children's early language and literacy development. Born-to-Read is funded, in part, by the K-16 Literacy Center at the University of Texas at Tyler, the Tyler Sunrise Rotary Club, and the Phi Kappa Phi Organization. For questions or more information, Contact, Dr. Kouider Mokhtari, Anderson-Vukelja-Wright Endowed Chair via e-mail kmokhtari@uttyler.edu or phone (903) 566-7177. More information about the Born to Read program can be found here.

Program Purpose:

Promote children’s early language and literacy skills, while helping parents understand their critical role as their child’s first and most important teacher. We teach parents to read to their children before they are born.

Program Start:

The Born to Read program starts October 10, 2020 and ends May 8, 2021.

Program Incentives:

Participating parents receive the following:

  • An initial literacy resource kit.
  • A reference list of community resources for children and families.
  • A library card application.
  • Ongoing support on how to raise a reader.

Program Requirements:

Participating parents agree to:

  1. Participate in a 2-hour training seminar (lunch provided) once a month from October 10, 2020 to May 8, 2021.
  2. Assist in documenting children’s early language and literacy growth.
  3. Participate in the program activities through May 8, 2021.
  4. Pay a one-time fee of $25 per family.  The $25 fee includes a pizza lunch, two free books per child, and a welcome package for parents.  Discounts are available for families who can document economic need.


Additional Information:

Born to Read Brochure - English

Born to Read Brochure - Spanish