Free posters to advocate for Philly's young readers
Hey Philly, big news! We just dropped a brand-new poster series to rally behind our city’s young readers. The best part? They're free to download and available in English and Spanish.
Why Posters?
Philly isn’t afraid to speak up for what’s right. While public education faces attacks, there’s also growing hope: our city is building real momentum for meaningful policy change that supports young readers. And we need more people (like you!) to take a stand.
Poster art has always played a powerful role in social movements. Designed with love and powered by purpose, we hope this series continues that tradition. Whether you’re rallying at a public meeting or repping this cause in your storefront, these posters are tools for change.
What’s the Message?
Jenny Lowman proudly holds a poster at the Philly Read-In, rallying to restore school librarians.
Each poster highlights a key policy issue impacting young readers in Philly and calls viewers to take action.
Try using these conversation starters when sharing with your community:
The Crisis: “Nearly 70% of Philly’s children are not reading at grade level by 4th grade. It’s a crisis. But it’s one we can solve together.”
The Why: “Every child deserves to be taught to read. Literacy unlocks confidence, school success, job opportunities, and a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. And when our children learn to read, our whole city grows stronger: economically, socially, and for generations to come.”
The How: “Our children need fair school funding, teachers trained and supported in the Science of Reading, a librarian in every public school, protection of the freedom to read any book that they choose, and strong neighborhood libraries.”
The Call to Action: “Want to help? Scan the QR code or head to readby4th.org/advocacy to take action. Sign a petition, email a lawmaker, or learn more about Read by 4th and the incredible advocates driving Philly’s early literacy movement.”
We created this poster series alongside incredible partners already leading the advocacy charge: PA Literacy Coalition, Children First, Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians (PARSL), and Friends of the Free Library of Philadelphia. If they’re new to you, take a moment to check them out!
Where Can You Find Them?
We’re sharing printed posters with Read by 4th partners and Reading Captains. So keep your eyes peeled across the city.
Want in? We’ve made digital posters available to download for free so anyone—teachers, parents, activists, neighbors—can help protect our children’s right to read.
Download, print, and hang ‘em proudly! Share your impact by snapping a pic and tagging us (@readby4th) on social media.
