A local not-for-profit group is helping preschool students learn to read by building libraries inside daycare centers. This is in response to alarming literacy studies that show many preschoolers are lagging behind by the time they reach kindergarten. NY1’s Cheryl Wills filed this story.

Many daycare centers are loaded with toys. A literacy group is trying to help preschooler students start a new chapter before they enter kindergarten by loading daycare centers with books. 

Books For Kids is a not-for-profit that builds libraries right where young children usually have play time.

"A lot of studies unfortunately show low income children are exposed to less read aloud hours, less books and that when they start kindergarten, they are 12 to 14 months behind their middle to upper income peers," said Amanda Hirsh, executive director of Books for Kids.

The organization which was founded in 1986, has a special emphasis on low income and at risk preschool studnets like the children who attend the Goddard Riverside Daycare Center on the Upper West Side.  The organization transforms old storage rooms or lounges into bright and inviting reading rooms like one that was donated by celebrity Chef Mario Batali.

"In this world that we live in now of tablets and iPads and TVs it's really important to instill a love of learning and a love of books, and so for us to have this room with books that the kids can come and choose a book of their own and bring home to read to their parents it's really important," said Christine Chiarellia, teacher at Goddard Riverside Daycare Center.

It is also important because experts say 83 percent of children in low income families read below their current grade level.  Also, studies show it is never too early to teach children to read.

"It's hugely important that they have not only books but they have different books. Everybody's got different reading tastes so do children," said Rosemary Kiladitis, Books for Kids librarian.

Books for Kids has established 80 libraries across 15 states and they want to continue to build more reading rooms in neighborhoods where they are most needed.

To learn more visit booksforkids.org