The New Jersey Council for the Humanities was pleased to participate in a ceremony recognizing the State of New Jersey’s investment of $100,000 to expand Prime Time Family Reading to libraries and literacy-concerned youth-serving organizations throughout the state in 2027.
State Senator Troy Singleton visited Willingboro Public Library on September 10 to present NJCH with a ceremonial check representing the investment. Singleton, who was rasied in Willingboro, had previously visited a Prime Time session at the library.
“This summer, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible impact of the New Jersey Council of Humanities’ Prime Time Family Reading program during a visit to the Willingboro Public Library,” Singleton said. “Seeing children and families come together around books, conversation, and learning showed just how important early literacy is to a child’s success.”
Prime Time Family Reading is a nationally recognized program serving 6- to 10-year-old kids and their families. Participating families build early literacy skills, engage in critical thinking, and connect with each other through literature and discussion.
During the six weeks of each program, 15-20 families gather once a week to share a meal, read stories together, and talk about the big ideas that are foundational to our society – like empathy, justice, and truth. Featuring lively storytelling and conversation, these gatherings offer opportunities for families and young children to bond, find connection, think deeply, and have a lot of fun with books and reading.
Developed more than 30 years ago by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Prime Time has been proven to improve literacy and school readiness for young children through numerous studies. In 2025, the program was awarded the American Prize by the Library of Congress in recognition of its measurable contribution to increasing literacy levels in the U.S.
NJCH brought Prime Time to New Jersey in 2025 with a pilot at two public libraries. It expanded to four public libraries in 2026. With the new state funding, it aims to expand to sites throughout the state in 2027.
The application process is now open for libraries and youth-serving organizations interested in serving as a Prime Time Family Reading host site in 2027. Learn more and access the application at https://njhumanities.org/programs/prime-time-reading/.
