5 Easy Ways to Promote Literacy in Your Community

Literacy is the key to a healthy and productive life but, all over the world, a startling number of children and adults are functionally illiterate. Some key statistics: 

• 1 in 4 U.S. children grow up without learning how to read.

• 250 million children are failing to acquire basic literacy skills, and

• At least 750 million of the world's total population can't read or write

• 2/3 of the world's illiterate are women

1) Start at Home:

Go through your bookshelves and pull off some titles you would be willing to give away to a good cause. This is especially great to do with kids, who can quickly outgrow old books.

2) Hold a Book Drive

Many low-income schools and nonprofit organizations are always in need of reading materials for the children they serve. Pick one in your area and hold a book drive. This is a great strategy if you work in a large office or own a business.

3) Start a Little Free Library for your neighborhood

Little Free Libraries (shown to the left) are a fun and innovative way to share books! Your neighbors can come by and exchange reading materials, no library required. You can buy one (like the lovely Little Free Library in the photo) and register it, or even build your own.

4) Give Books as Gifts

Books make excellent gifts, especially for young readers. Pick a book you were especially fond of at that child's age or, if you're stumped, a gift card to a book store will help them find something they'll enjoy. If you need some suggestions, check out our blog highlighting some of our favorites for children of all ages!

5) Volunteer as a Tutor

Nonprofit organizations are always in need of volunteers, and reading to youth as a tutor can help foster their interest in books. In fact, reading to children from an early age is one of the best ways to foster a love of books, but not all kids are read to at home.