Dear Literacy Champions:
We are officially kicking off the Read, VA campaign to make literacy a top priority for EVERY child in Virginia. And, we need your help! During the General Assembly session, we will have several Virtual Advocacy Days to get you engaged and involved in the process. This is a great opportunity for you to tell policymakers that literacy matters to you.
Over 60% of underserved families live in book deserts and don’t own any books across the US.
Too many children are living in “bookless homes.” Their shelves are empty.
Did You Know?
- The brain is wired to read as early as 18 months of age.
- Early access to books and home libraries are a powerful driver of academic achievement, improved listening comprehension, vocabulary and is directly related to third grade reading.
- The mere presence of books in the home matters more than a parent’s level of education.
- Decades of research tells us that books in the home are one of the strongest predictors of academic achievement.
The struggle to read begins early with 1 in 4 of Virginia’s kindergarteners not meeting literacy benchmarks (VKRP 2024-2025).
We can change these statistics.
The research is clear that states with a statewide Imagination Library program have seen a 29% increase in kindergarten readiness and improved third grade reading.
Now is the time to make literacy a top priority. That begins with leveling the playing field and giving EVERY child and family the opportunity to have up to 60 quality, age-appropriate books delivered right to their home.
The statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will increase equitable access, eliminate book access gaps and ignite a of books and reading.
Take Action Now and tell your legislators that literacy matters to you.
We appreciate your advocacy and partnership…
Stay tuned for other opportunities to help us get more books in kids’ hands and make sure EVERY child can read.