80% of preschool and after-school programs serving low-income populations have no age-appropriate books for their children. footnote 1
A recent study shows that while in middle-income neighborhoods the ratio of age-appropriate books per child is 13 to 1, in low-income neighborhoods the ratio is 1 for every 300 children. footnote 2
The most successful way to improve the reading achievement of low-income children is to increase their access to print. Communities ranking high in achievement tests have several factors in common: an abundance of books in public libraries, easy access to books in the community at large and a large number of textbooks per student. footnote 3
Commit yourself and a team of your friends and neighbors to help increase reading achievement and literacy by joining Volunteer To Serve. This tool kit will give you the basics to run a book drive, organize your group, and make an impact.
What will you do to help increase reading and literacy?
3. Newman, Sanford, et all. 'Americans Child Care Crisis: A Crime Prevention Tragedy"; Fight Crime; Invest in Kids, 2000.