Laundry and literacy: Bronx laundromats join initiative to keep children reading

Bronx laundromats are joining an initiative to keep children reading, even when their parents are washing their clothes.

The Clinton Foundation's early education initiative Too Small to Fail has partnered up with the Coin Laundry Association to transform sections of local laundromats into family friendly areas.

"That's why we are here, to meet families where they are to provide access to books and early literacy materials and to know that we're meeting families where they are, it's just very wonderful,” says Jane Park, director of Too Small to Fail.

Too Small to Fail says it plans to partner with more laundromats to create engaging spaces for children. 

The goal is 600 laundromats by March of next year.

With summer coming up, Park says it's crucial to keep children reading. 

"In America, 60% of children are unprepared for kindergarten, and they're lagging behind in critical language and literacy skills,” says Park.

Laundromat employees say the reading areas are also bringing more customers, with some reportedly walking blocks to facilities that have them.