Philly Bookshelf is on a mission to increase the number of books, reading materials, and literacy opportunities available in the Philadelphia region with a focus on low income neighborhoods.
Children who grow up in homes without books are on average academically three years behind those who grow up in homes with a lot of books.
Children who are read to at least three (3) times per week are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading compared to children who are read to less.
Approximately 61% of low income families have no age appropriate books for children in their home. 25% of adults and 38% of children live in poverty in Philadelphia.