WHEREAS, National Literacy Month is observed annually to underscore the fundamental importance of reading, writing, and digital literacy skills for individuals of all ages, serving as a foundation for educational achievement, workforce readiness, civic participation, and everyday life; and
WHEREAS, Literacy disparities are closely linked to broader social inequities, including gender, race, socioeconomic status, and access to early education. Students who fail to achieve reading proficiency by third grade are significantly more likely to drop out of school, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting lifelong opportunities, while children of parents with low literacy skills often enter school less prepared, exacerbating achievement gaps; and
WHEREAS, In light of these educational disparities, it is essential to invest in community-based support systems including public libraries, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government agencies to foster a Citywide ecosystem for literacy development that encompasses early childhood education, K-12 instruction, adult education, workforce training, and lifelong learning; and
WHEREAS, Education is a shared responsibility, and literacy is essential to the strength and success of our communities. Which is why organizations that place literacy at the center of their mission are vital partners. Children First is one of those indispensable community advocates. By serving and advocating for more than 1.75 million young people across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Children First works to expand access to high-quality literacy programs that help prepare the minds and leaders of tomorrow; and
WHEREAS,
Through its
Éxito
K-3 Literacy Strategy, Congreso has become a trusted partner to families and schools throughout the 7th Council District, investing in our youngest learners and helping them build a strong foundation in literacy. In 2026, students participating in the summer program demonstrated an average gain of 12.25 words per minute on their Oral Reading Fluency assessments, reflecting the impact of
Éxito’s
targeted instruction and commitment to student success. Through this work, Congreso continues to help our children become confident readers and build the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Another vital resource advancing literacy across our City is the LEAP Afterschool Program, offered by the Free Library of Philadelphia. Available Monday through Friday, the LEAP Afterschool Program provides students in grades K through 12 with a safe and supportive environment after school, along with meaningful academic support to strengthen their reading abilities, build comprehension skills, and develop a lifelong love of learning. This impactful program has long served as an important resource for young people throughout Philadelphia and has been a staple at the Wyoming Library in the Seventh Council District, helping ensure that our students have the support and opportunities they need to thrive; and
WHEREAS, Read by 4th is a Citywide literacy program
convened and managed by the Free Library Foundation that
brings together more than 135 partner organizations to protect every child’s right to read. Through grassroots efforts like its Reading Captains program, Read by 4th connects families and communities with valuable literacy resources while helping build a stronger culture of reading across Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Investment in comprehensive literacy initiatives promotes educational equity, enhances quality of life, reduces poverty, fosters social inclusion, and drives sustainable economic growth throughout the City and beyond; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes the vital contributions of educators, librarians, literacy advocates, community leaders, and volunteers who work tirelessly to improve literacy and digital literacy across the City. The Council urges all residents to celebrate National Literacy Month by supporting literacy programs, promoting lifelong learning, and ensuring every individual has the opportunity to read, write, and thrive in today’s information-driven society.
End