Parents who can't read raise children who don't read.

Via our Portable Classrooms we offer FREE English as a Second Language (ESL), reading and GED prep programs across Baltimore City. But we don’t stop there. Baltimore Reads operates the Baltimore Reads’ Book Bank, which provides free books to children, their families, and schools to encourage/improve literacy skills, and develop an intergenerational love for reading and lifelong learning.

Would you like to join us in breaking the chains of intergenerational illiteracy?

• Refer a student to take a FREE class at Baltimore Reads
• Volunteer your time as a tutor, administrative support staff member or event crew member
• Host a book drive at your school, job or in your community
• Become a donor by making a financial or "in-kind" donation.

Together we can expand services, reduce program waiting lists and offer our classes at more neighborhood churches, recreation centers, senior centers and libraries.

Enduring societal change requires civic engagement, community outreach and partnerships, volunteer involvement, financial commitment, business support, not-for-profit leadership and government action.

We need you because our students need us.

Thank you for visiting our website!


Shirley Bigley LaMotte

Chief Executive Officer