Creating more
moments like this.

Data is an essential tool for justice. It hold us accountable to the thousands of families and young children counting on us. 

 

There’s still much to do in ending Philly’s early literacy crisis.


Over 70% of our children are reading below grade level by 4th grade. Setting them up to struggle in school, fall further behind, feel lost and even ashamed. 

But the story doesn’t end there.

 
Read by 4th Boy Reading North Philly.jpg

120+ partners and countless community champions.

For more than five years, family, community and systems leaders have joined Read by 4th.

The data below reflects what we’ve been able to achieve together, and the momentum we’re bringing to our next chapter.

Families are receiving more books for their home libraries.

And resources to make the most of life’s teachable moments.

Book icon

2,427,709+
Books Shared

Read by 4th’s partners have distributed millions of books to families citywide since 2016.

 
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4,178
enrolled in Ready4K

Philly families have not only downloaded Ready4K’s text tips, 98% say they’re loving them.

 
 
Reading Promise logo of pinky promise

36,543+
Reading Promise visits

ReadingPromise.org is a site where Philly families can learn and share tips to help grow young readers.

A GOOD READ

Book distribution has gotten more equitable in Philadelphia.

Map of Philadelphia.

Communities are transforming into literacy landscapes.

Full of installations and caring neighbors supporting learning at every turn.

Icon of book

1,068
Playful Learning Installations

Book nooks, sidewalk libraries, installations and more are transforming everyday spaces into a true literacy landscape.

 
Reading Captains logo of adult reading with child

1,000+
Reading
Captains

Reading Captains citywide are helping their neighbors grow young readers one conversation at a time.

 
 
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127
Reading Promise Week Events

Since 2020, Philly’s family literacy festival has brought book block parties, author read alouds, and more family fun citywide.

Systems are embracing evidence-based literacy practices.

And reflecting on how prioritizing equity requires accountability and meaningful change.

 
Kids cut ribbon at Traveling Tree House opening ceremony.

STORIES ON THE GO

Tree House Books is bringing more books to the block with a new mobile library.

Icon of graduation cap

14
Literacy-Focused
Universities

Philadelphia-area colleges and universities have been accredited through the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.

 
Icon of teacher holding book.

711
Free Literacy PDs for Educators

Partners are supporting Philly’s amazing teachers by providing free trainings on evidence-based literacy instruction

 
 
Icon of parent holding child’s hand with heart.

1,806
Family Reading Workshops

Family workshops have been offered by partners to help show tips and tools to boost literacy at home and in everyday moments.

 
 

A CITY’S READING PROMISE

Philly librarians are being trained to share Science of Reading basics with families.

Smiling librarian.

Our next chapter will be our most exciting yet.