We often forget just how important teaching children to read can be, but a recent New York Times article highlights why volunteerism like yours is so important. One of our outstanding volunteers forwarded me this information from the article, which bases its findings on the 2002 Census:

• Fewer than half of all Americans over 18 read novels, short stories, plays or poetry.
• Reading is in decline among all age groups and demographics.
• Readers are far more likely than nonreaders to do volunteer work, contribute to charity and engage in social or cultural endeavors. (43% vs. 17%).
• Hispanics (26.5) read less than African-Americans (37.1) who read less than whites (51.4), but all categories are declining.
• In 1982, 59.8% of 18-24 year olds read literature, compared to 42.8% in 2002.

To read more about why this decline in reading is so troubling, please click here to link to a New York Times op-ed piece by Andrew Solomon.

Thanks again for all you do to inspire our young readers!

Maryanna Abdo
Program Director
Reading to Kids
1600 Sawtelle Blvd, Suite 210
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 479-7455
(310) 479-7435 (FAX)
MaryannaAbdo@readingtokids.org