Literacy through reading and discovery

Recent studies show alarming trends in youth literacy. Educational disruptions from the pandemic have led to diminished reading skills. Systemic barriers have exacerbated gaps in reading scores based on race and disability. The percentage of young people who read for fun every day has dropped by double digits in the past decade.

Programs at The Seattle Public Library recognize these challenges. They are designed alongside community members and partner organizations with a goal of appealing to young people with the highest barriers to literacy. They bring youth together and help them discover joy and fun through reading.

Making literacy fun

Research shows that late elementary school is a pivotal time for youth literacy. Many children begin to lose interest in reading, and habits developed at this age can stick.

For the past three decades, Seattle students have discovered how fun books can be through one of the library’s most beloved programs. The Global Reading Challenge provides free books to 4th and 5th graders at public schools, inviting them to read and form trivia teams. Teams compete with their knowledge of the books, first at their schools and then in the semifinals and finals at the Central Library.

The competition is an exciting way to engage reluctant readers. In 2024, more than 3,400 students participated from 71 schools. Donor support provided nearly 10,000 free books for school libraries and students.

Participating families and schools always report clear benefits from joining the Challenge. “[One student] had such a sense of efficacy and self-worth, seeing all the books she read and how much growth she had made as a reader,” said Sara Betts, a librarian at Louisa Boren STEM K-8. “Students become better readers by reading. GRC creates the excitement and opportunity to read read read!”

Empowering communities to read

What makes young people interested in coming to the library? Often, students seek books and activities that affirm and relate to their culture.

The library’s programs for K-5 readers engaged 1,325 families in 2024. Creative programs encouraged book discussion and community building at branches across the system. Foundation donors helped provide free books and staff support for these efforts.

At the Rainier Beach Branch, library staff helped start a book group series for tweens. The group focused on titles appealing to Black and Brown girls and non-binary youth. The organization LitiArts curated lesson plans, led conversations, and facilitated social-emotional learning activities.

Other branches like NewHolly and Lake City hosted family reading nights that included fun activities and a shared meal. Participants received free books to build home libraries as well as resources to encourage reading outside of school. Teens helped lead sessions through a paid internship program.

Families expressed appreciation for the library’s focus on community and joyful reading. “Thank you for the free books in my language,” said one Rainier Beach father. “I want my children to learn their native tongue.”

Reaching children of all abilities

The library strives to create spaces that are inviting, inclusive, and accessible. Often, families catering to a child’s disability or neurodivergence can find it especially difficult to enjoy public spaces.

Last year, Foundation donors helped expand ways for families to feel welcomed and celebrated. The Greenwood Branch offered All Abilities Story Time and made its popular communal reading sessions more accessible. Sensory Friendly Music programs encouraged musical literacy for kids with different learning styles. “Sensation Station” programs with special educator May-Ling Joa offered interactive learning with sounds, smells, and tactile stimulation.

All branches benefited from Sensory Kits in 2024. These tools help patrons who feel overstimulated by bright, busy, and noisy space with calming items like earmuffs, fidget items, and visual timers to help young readers feel comfortable. The library continues to improve accessibility and inclusion. In early 2025, SPL installed the first interactive Sensory Wall in the Northeast Branch as a pilot to test the program for future expansion.

Your gift to the Foundation helps promote literacy by expanding opportunities for people of all ages. Please give today to invite more families to read and discover at the library, and read the rest of our 2024 Annual Report on Donor Impact here.