Written by Erin Casey
Kids Need to Read gives books to schools and libraries that serve underprivileged children. Many people donate money to help disadvantaged children, but why does stocking their schools and libraries matter? Why not use all funds to provide food or clothes? Books, as much as many bibliophiles would like to deny it, are luxuries that many families, and even libraries, can ill afford. If a child cannot have books of their own, having access to them is extremely important. Books provide stimulation for imagination and intellect, and allow children to see that they are not stuck in whatever situation they are born into. Books let them see that they can do anything.
More importantly, reading skills are a necessity in everyday life, especially in the workforce. Reading well and understanding what is read are the foundations for so many other skills, like writing, public speaking (both in small groups and in front of an audience), and getting a job done. Even simple written instructions cannot be followed by someone who cannot read or read well.
A child who is born into an impoverished family and is introduced to reading at a young age can break the cycle of poverty to become whatever they want to be in life. The same child, who is not encouraged to read or who doesn’t have access to reading material, will likely be pulled along in that cycle.
According to the Washington Literacy Council, “More than three out of four of those on welfare . . . and 68% of those arrested are illiterate.”
Kids Need to Read has seen the lack of reading material – particularly the lack of current, high-interest reading material – in schools and libraries. We recognize the importance of reading, and we want every child to have the opportunity to read and improve their lives exponentially.
