Tucked along 8th Avenue in the heart of Homestead is something truly special — a storefront built not around transactions, but around opportunity.
Reading Ready Pittsburgh: B is for Books | 222 E 8th Avenue | Homestead
222 E. 8th Avenue | Homestead, PA
Reading Ready Pittsburgh: B is for Books | 222 E 8th Avenue | Homestead
Reading Ready Pittsburgh has created B is for Books, a free children’s bookstore where every child who walks through the door can take home books of their own — no cost, no barriers, just access.
At its core, the mission is simple: every child deserves a full bookshelf and a chance to fall in love with reading.
Reading Ready Pittsburgh is a non-profit organization supporting the healthy development of young children by increasing access to books and by encouraging significant family engagement through reading.
Reading Ready Pittsburgh offers a variety of literacy programs to the Pittsburgh area’s young readers. Reading Ready Pittsburgh partners with local childcare centers, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, and other community organizations to meet families where they are and remove barriers families may face in having high-quality, age-appropriate books to share in the home.
A Storefront with Purpose
At first glance, B is for Books looks like a traditional bookstore — bright, welcoming, and filled wall-to-wall with stories. But inside, the experience is something different.
- Kids can choose and keep up to three free books each visit
- Families can read together in a cozy, inviting space
- Educators can access resources and build classroom libraries
It’s not just a place to pick up books — it’s a space designed to build confidence, curiosity, and connection.
More Than a Bookstore
Reading Ready Pittsburgh’s work goes far beyond the storefront. Their programs support early literacy across the region by:
- Providing books directly to families
- Supporting caregivers in building reading habits at home
- Partnering with educators and community organizations
To date, they’ve distributed over 300,000 books to children and families — helping ensure more kids enter school ready to learn and thrive.
Why It Matters in the Steel Valley
B is for Books represents exactly the kind of investment that strengthens a community from the ground up.
- Activates a key storefront along 8th Avenue
- Brings families and foot traffic into the business district
- Supports long-term outcomes through early education
- Creates a welcoming, accessible space for all
This is economic development in its truest form — building a stronger future by investing in people.
Visit B is for Books
Families, educators, and community members are encouraged to stop in, explore, and take part.
(412) 444-2994
222 E. 8th Avenue, Homestead, PA 15120
Whether you’re picking out a child’s first book or your fiftieth, every visit is a step toward a stronger, more connected Steel Valley.
Mary Denison, PhD | Founder and Executive Director
MaryDenison is a retired school psychologist. She has dedicated her professional career to supporting children and families. She has worked with school-age children with learning and developmental problems for over thirty years. Mary initially taught Special Education for children with learning and behavioral challenges. After graduating with her doctorate in School Psychology she provided psychological services at Shaler Area School District and later at PACE School. In 1995, she began working at The Day School at The Children’s Institute. Mary worked for 22 years developing an expertise with children with autism, genetic and neurological disorders. Mary has 3 children who are all grown. She is an avid reader and enjoys sharing her love of books with others.
Steel Valley Accelerator Spotlight
Steel Valley Accelerator is proud to highlight organizations like Reading Ready Pittsburgh — partners who are not only serving the community today, but shaping what it becomes tomorrow!
