Jessica Ralli

About Jessica Ralli

Jessica Ralli is the Manager of Early Literacy Programs & Special Initiatives at Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), where she leads the development of innovative, grant-funded initiatives for children ages 0–5 and their families, including the widely recognized Ready, Set, Kindergarten! series. She also curates BPL’s Early Childhood Educator Series, supporting librarians and early childhood professionals working with young children.In 2023, Jessica helped expand BPL’s Books Unbanned initiative to younger audiences through the launch of Freedom to Read Storytimes. She holds an M.A. in Early Childhood Special Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and brings over a decade of experience in early childhood education.Jessica writes about early literacy and libraries, most recently in the First Steps column for School Library Journal, and presents nationally on early literacy, advocacy, and library-led family engagement. With Dr. Megan Madison, she co-authored the award-winning First Conversations series (Rise x Penguin Workshop). She is currently pursuing an M.S. in Information and Library Science while working on her next book project.

Experience

1. Manager, Early Literacy Programs & Special Initiatives

   Brooklyn Public Library

   Jan 2026 — Present · Brooklyn, NY, US

   As Manager of Early Literacy Programs at Brooklyn Public Library, I oversee and grow a portfolio of grant-funded initiatives that support young children, families, and early childhood educators. This work includes Ready, Set, Kindergarten, Freedom to Read initiatives, Multilingual Storytimes, The Big Brooklyn Playdate, and the Early Childhood Educator Series & Symposium. I specialize in designing and implementing programs that advance early literacy, community connection, and equitable access to learning.

Education

• New York University

  Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA

• Teachers College, Columbia University

  Masters Degree, Early Childhood Special Education

  2004 — 2007

• Brooklyn College

  Microcredential, Science of Reading

• University at Buffalo

  Master of Library & Information Science - MLIS

Skills

• Fashion Design
• Social Media Marketing
• Creative Direction
• Art Direction
• Social Media
• Public Relations
• Start-Ups
• Apparel
• Facebook
• Branding & Identity
• Public Speaking
• Graphic Design
• Styling
• Brand Development
• Sportswear
• Fit
• Web Design
• Draping
• Marketing
• Fashion
• Tech Packs
• Textile Design
• Trend
• Disability Awareness Training
• Merchandising
• Blogging
• Trend Forecasting
• Trend Analysis
• Diversity Training
• Nonprofits
• Early Intervention
• Early Childhood Development
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Special Education
• Museum Education
• Accessibility
• Integrated Marketing
• Art
• Logo Design
• Fashion Illustration