Why do books matter?
CENSORSHIP IS SPREADING
According to the ALA, 3,923 books were banned in public schools and libraries from January 1st of 2023 to August 31, 2023. We cannot continue to stand by idly and watch books continue to be snatched off the shelfs. Books allow people to have access to information and history and are integral parts of discovering your identity. Public schools and libraries allow all people, despite their economic backgrounds to have access to literature and it is our duty to ensure that the books on the shelf stay diverse.
Children who are read to at least three times a week by a family member are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading compared to children who are read to less than 3 times a week.
Only 25% of students in California school systems are able preform basic reading skills.
Higher reading exposure was 95% positively correlated with a growing region supporting semantic language processing in the brain.
80% of preschool and after-school programs serving low-income populations have no age-appropriate books for their children.
KIDS NEED BOOKS
4 in 10 children agree that they have trouble finding books they like. 59% of infrequent readers also agree that they have trouble finding books. 1 in 3 parents agree that their child had trouble finding books. Having access to quality and age appropriate literature is fundamental in a child’s growth. It is our mission to ensure that every person has access to literature to help them grow and learn in our society.