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LIBRARIES PROMOTE LITERACY

Black mother reading to young child on her lap.
Imagine a parent unable to read a bedtime story, a worker struggling to complete a job application, or a patient misunderstanding life-saving medication instructions. This is the reality for millions of people in the U.S. today. 
BY THE NUMBERS

32 MILLION

adults—14% of the population—cannot read.

21%

of adults read below a 5th-grade level. 

19%

of high school graduates lack basic literacy skills. 

And Things Are Not Improving...but there's hope

Between 2017 and 2023, literacy scores among adults dropped by 12 points. While top-performing students remain steady, those at the bottom are falling further behind. Low literacy isn’t just a personal challenge—it’s a national crisis affecting jobs, health, and opportunity. But there is a solution: libraries and library professionals are leading the charge to close literacy gaps and ensure free, equitable access to knowledge through early and adult literacy programs, digital and media literacy training, family literacy initiatives that empower parents as their child’s first teacher, and more.
At a time when literacy rates are declining, school libraries are closing, and librarian positions are disappearing. Instead of being recognized as essential literacy leaders, librarians face increasing challenges—sometimes even being targeted for ensuring students have access to diverse books and perspectives. Despite this, school librarians continue to foster a love of reading in their students, teach critical media and digital literacy skills, provide technology and research tools for all students, and support struggling readers by helping close learning gaps before they widen.
Decades of research show that students in schools with certified librarians perform better on standardized tests and are more prepared for college and careers. Yet, underserved communities are losing access to these critical resources. To reverse the literacy crisis, we must invest in school libraries and protect the role of librarians in education.
Library media specialist Analine Johnson spearheaded the effort to establish a "Lil Library Box" in the park behind the Johnson High School 9th Grade Campus.
Library media specialist Analine Johnson spearheaded the effort to establish a "Lil Library Box" in the park behind the Johnson High School 9th Grade Campus. Photo courtesy of Analine Johnson.

FROM THE FIELD

For two and a half decades, Library media specialist Analine Johnson has been supporting and building futures for at-risk readers and students in need, particularly those who face poverty or language barriers. She has helped raise more than $20,000 for her school to assist students from low-income backgrounds purchase their first books and become more confident in class. And to support recent immigrants and emerging bilingual students, Johnson created an after-school literacy program to help them better understand the English language.
In Cielito Lindo Park across the street from her school’s campus, Johnson also spearheaded the addition of a “Lil Library Box,” a large, enclosed bookshelf with a trove of books that she maintains along with student helpers. A collaboration with the school, district council members, and the Laredo Parks and Recreation Department, the colorful Lil Library Box encourages children to read during the summer months, with a prime location within walking distance of multiple district campuses. In 2025, Johnson was awarded an I Love My Librarian Award from the American Library Association for her outstanding service to the community.

FOR OUR LIBRARIES

Libraries and library workers teach us the critical literacy skills we need to succeed at all stages of life, and all of us need to ensure our libraries are properly funded and resourced so they can continue this important work. The American Library Association provides training and funding opportunities for libraries and library workers across the U.S., but we need your help. When you become a supporter of the ALA, you help fund our efforts to advocate for library funding, improve the skills of library workers, and improve our communities.