Read, Virginia!

Campaign Sponsors

Every Child Needs to Read

Early Literacy Matters For All Children

Too many of our children cannot read by third grade. In fact, over half of Virginia’s students in kindergarten through second grade are at high to moderate risk of reading difficulties. The reading network in the brain doesn’t naturally exist, it must be built. The early years are a critical time in language and literacy development. EVERY child deserves to read by third grade.

Join The Coalition

Resources + Activities

The Big Five

Virginia is in a Reading Crisis

43% of Virginia’s third graders are not reading proficiently - and in some communities, that number is even higher (Reading SOL, 2025).

Virginia is behind Alabama, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee when it comes to helping all children read by third grade.

Only 31% of Virginia’s fourth graders were at or above proficient in reading (NAEP, 2024).

Reading by third grade is a predictor of academic and life success. When children cannot read, they will struggle in K-12, higher education, the workforce and life.

Our students are being pushed through an education system without the basic skills they need to succeed.

The number of quality books in the home are linked to student achievement and stronger literacy outcomes. There are book deserts across the state.

About The Campaign

The Read, Virginia Campaign raises awareness around the fact that too many of our children cannot read proficiently by third grade.

Raises awareness to educate, inform and create urgency around the reading crisis in our communities and Virginia.
Builds the Read, Virginia Coalition and strategic partnerships to support E3's literacy initiatives.
Grows Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of VA to provide more children and families with age-appropriate, quality books and activities.
Activates families to provide early literacy and read aloud activities for families to help children at home.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Help Raise Awareness

Execute a series of mini campaigns about the alarming reading data, importance of access to quality books, reading aloud and creating a culture of reading . The digital campaign is targeted and tailored by market.

Statewide Sponsorships @ $50,000

Use data and real stories to evoke emotion.
Emphasize the importance of books and reading aloud for 15 minutes.
Activate families, provide literacy and read aloud activities to do at home.
Curate events in key markets to generate buzz and excitement about books and reading.
Recognition on campaign creative, website and all digital media.