Read by 4th is Philly's early literacy movement.

Our city, and nation, are facing a literacy crisis. Right now, over 60% of our children are not reading at grade level by 4th grade in Philadelphia. That's thousands of children struggling in school, often feeling frustrated and ashamed. And likely to fall even further behind.

But we can change this. In fact, we already are.

Read by 4th is a citywide coalition of family, community, and systems leaders working together to increase the number of students in Philadelphia entering the 4th grade at reading level. Convened and managed by the Free Library of Philadelphia since 2016, Read by 4th is here to ensure our children become the strong readers they deserve to be.

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Collective strategies include:

  • FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

    Provide families with information, tips, and resources to support early literacy skills.

  • HOME LIBRARIES

    Ensure children and families have access to books for their homes.

  • DIVERSE BOOKS

    Increase diverse books distributed to better reflect the communities and cultures of Philadelphia.

  • LEARNING LANDSCAPES

    Embed playful learning and literacy into the design of public and community spaces.

  • COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION

    Provide community members with information and resources to champion early literacy.

  • QUALITY LITERACY INSTRUCTION

    Equip educators with the skills, resources, and support needed to teach reading before and after they enter the classroom.

  • TUTORING

    Champion the expansion of options for high-dosage tutoring.

  • LITERACY-RICH SYSTEMS

    Expand literacy support in all systems that serve families (healthcare, ECE, out-of-school, summer, etc.)

Everyone has a role to play in growing stronger readers. Let's find yours.

Learn More

Learn more about the Read by 4th initiative at readby4th.org

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Donate to Read by 4th and help protect our children's right to read.