The group First Book Philadelphia had its second annual speed reading contest recently, where they invited local actors, librarians, television stars and celebrities to read from Dr. Seuss books as fast as possible. The fundraising effort was designed to promote First Book Philadelphia’s goal of providing children’s books to low-income areas of Philadelphia, especially in neighborhoods where there is no library or where libraries are closing. The “mini-libraries” the group creates are important in the support of literacy for children, especially since families in these areas often have little money to spare to buy books, and there may be no habit of reading in the home because of the lack of available books. First Book Philadelphia knows how important it is for children to get into the habit of reading early in life. You can watch a video of the 2011 Speed Read event here.

First Book Philadelphia is part of the nationwide First Book organization, which has been providing free books to children around the United States and Canada for over twenty years. They work with school districts and nonprofits to identify disadvantaged areas where children don’t have easy access to books, and use their funding and donations to provide those books. Not only do they contribute books to libraries and schools, but they also provide books to homeless shelters, preschool programs, and Boys & Girls Clubs, ensuring that no matter where a child is or whether they can get to school, there will be a book available for them somewhere.

As First Book’s research has found – and as many independent studies have shown – when children have access to books and are encouraged to read, they’re more interested in learning in general, and they’re more likely to read on their own instead of only when they’re required to read for school. This organization provides a valuable service for many communities, and we’re grateful for their hard work in the support of reading skills!

To learn more about First Book and get involved, visit their website here.