The energy was electric as Literacy in Community (LINC) families rode the rails of the New York City subway system and read books from Fordham, Mott Haven, and Kingsbridge to Yankee Stadium last Wednesday. 

It was the beginning of LINC’s annual Reading on the Rails program. Each year, Reading on the Rails demonstrates in real time how literacy can take place anywhere and everywhere, inspiring all parents and communities to embrace how they can promote learning and literacy with children in ordinary places and ways throughout the summer months. 

On July 1, LINC teamed up with the New York Yankees for a spectacular day of reading, baseball, and community joy and both the Yes Network and the Yankees Publication Group came along for the ride to capture the magic. 

LINC families and staff gathered at Gate 6 at noon, heading up to Suite 7 along the first-base line for a pre-game read aloud and celebration. Children received age-appropriate, baseball-themed books generously donated by Penguin Random House, including Batter Up, First Day of School, Baseball Baby, and Let’s Play Baseball: A T & F Book. Alongside their new books, every young attendee took home a LINC tote bag and a custom event T-shirt featuring the message: Talk, Sing, Play, READ, Repeat.

In addition to the read-aloud and lunch, families split into small groups to explore the stadium’s unique offerings during the game. Some children caught a glimpse of baseball history at the New York Yankees Museum, others burned off energy at the Kids Clubhouse playground, and families needing a calmer environment took advantage of the stadium’s dedicated Sensory Room.

Reading on the Rails to Yankee Stadium was just the beginning for these young readers! Another Reading on the Rails event will take place citywide on August 13, 2026 and culminate at Central Park.

Thank you to the New York Yankees and Penguin Books for their incredible generosity in making this memorable day possible! 

Stay tuned for an upcoming episode of Bronx Beat that will air at Yankee Stadium during the first week of August. 

To learn more about LINC and register for your family’s next reading adventure, visit us at www.lincnyc.org/programs.