September Celebrates National Literacy Month

National Literacy Month is observed every September to highlight the importance of reading and writing skills for success in school and life. The month encourages people to support literacy through activities like reading to children, engaging in conversations, and getting involved with literacy programs to help combat the millions of adults in the U.S. and globally who lack basic literacy skills.

What is National Literacy Month? 
  • It’s an annual observance during the month of  September dedicated to promoting literacy and raising awareness about its critical role in individual and societal development.
Why is this important?

Provides An Educational Advantage:

Strong early literacy skills are linked to better academic performance and understanding of complex subjects later in life. 

Societal Impact:

Literacy is fundamental for personal empowerment, economic opportunity, and overall well-being. 

Addressing Literacy Gaps:
The observance calls attention to the significant number of adults and children who struggle with reading and writing, as nearly 48 million adults in the U.S. cannot read above a third-grade level. 
The stakes are equally high for both children and adults:
➡️ A 2020 Gallup study found the U.S. economy could lose $2.2 trillion annually due to low adult literacy rates.
➡️ Our labor market faces a major skills gap, with only 68 qualified workers for every 100 open jobs.
➡️ 1 in 3 employers say their average employee lacks the literacy skills needed to succeed.
Ways you can get involved
Read With Children: 

Engage in daily reading and back-and-forth conversations to foster vocabulary and comprehension. 

Support Literacy Organizations and Promote Literacy Programs:

Get involved with non-profit groups focused on improving literacy in your community. One such example is the St. Paul organization: Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI). PPGJLI is dedicated to teaching leadership skills to our young people to implement in their future endeavors and instill the joy of reading. The PPGJ Bookstore is a great resource to discover a wide range of diverse books on topics for all ages. 

Encourage Conversations:
Create environments where both reading and talking are encouraged and valued. 

Literacy is more than reading—it’s the foundation for leadership, opportunity, and equity. By investing in books that reflect diversity, YOU are shaping a brighter future for all.

 

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