
What Is Being Done to Address Literacy Challenges in Western New York
From What’s Next? by BTPM NPR
May 18, 2026 · 55 min · Episode 347
About this episode
Anne Ryan discusses literacy challenges and initiatives in Western New York.
Early literacy plays a critical role in a child’s long-term success, and organizations across Western New York are working to strengthen reading skills from an early age. On this episode of What’s Next?, Anne Ryan, Executive Director of Read to Succeed Buffalo, discusses the importance of teaching reading from birth through third grade and the impact of programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. She also highlights the success of the Experience Corps tutoring program, where volunteers work one-on-one with students in Buffalo and Niagara Falls to help improve reading outcomes and build confidence.
People in this episode
Guest: Anne Ryan
Topics covered
- literacy
- education
- tutoring
- child development
- community programs
Keywords
- literacy
- reading skills
- early education
- tutoring programs
- community initiatives
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Read to Succeed Buffalo, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Experience Corps
Places: Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Western New York
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