Philadelphia is hosting its fourth annual Reading Promise Week, a family literacy festival aimed at promoting a love for reading across the city. From October 7th to 15th, families can participate in 70 free events tailored to support young readers’ growth. The festival’s mission is to increase access to literacy resources and encourage positive family literacy habits, which community leaders have worked together to achieve since it began in 2020.
“Community power is exceptional here in Philadelphia,” said Jenny Bogoni, Executive Director of Read by 4th, Philly’s early literacy movement and convening partner of Reading Promise Week. “Reading Promise Week is one of many ways community members are leading the charge to protect our children’s right to read.”
Thanks to the generous support and funding from partners like the Free Library of Philadelphia, PNC Grow Up Great, Aetna, Share Food Program, William Penn Foundation, and Vanguard, 11,000 literacy kits and 16,000 new children’s books will be distributed throughout the city during Reading Promise Week.
An essential part of Reading Promise Week is reminding families of their power to support young readers. “Parents, we are our children’s first and most important teachers,” said Diane Mills, Reading Captain and event host. “No matter our experience in school or how well we read, we have what it takes to help our children grow. And the community is here to support you.”
Families attending the festival will have the opportunity to choose from an array of enriching, free children’s books. Clinton Drees, Reading Promise Week project manager, emphasized, “We wanted to offer titles that reflect the diversity of our city. This year, we’ve continued to source a portion of our books from local independent bookstores and Philadelphia-based authors, ensuring that children not only see themselves as readers but as future authors too.”
As cities grapple with the critical issue of addressing the early literacy crisis, Philadelphia stands as an example of using community strength and collaboration as a solution. Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson, Chief of Curriculum and Instruction at the School District of Philadelphia shared, “Community traditions like Reading Promise Week complement what’s happening inside of our classrooms. This festival is an example of the type of school-family partnerships needed to accelerate literacy here in Philadelphia.”
Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, remarked, “Reading Promise Week embodies the core of our mission at the library—advancing literacy, guiding learning, and inspiring curiosity. It’s incredible to witness our libraries working hand in hand with the community to create rich learning experiences and expand access to reading resources.”
