Impact Report Reading Captains
Reading Captains, your heart, hustle, and hope for Philly’s young readers inspire us every day.
Day after day, you show up. At block parties and libraries, in grocery lines and rec center yards You pass along tips for reading at home, point parents toward free books, and spark conversations that remind families they’re not alone. You carry a simple but radical belief: when neighbors look out for one another, we can move mountains, especially when it comes to raising young readers
We know the work isn’t easy With 65% of Philly’s 4th graders not yet reading at grade level, scores across the city are still too low. But there’s resilience in the story.
Small, steady gains show Philly’s children, families, and teachers bouncing back after the pandemic And in this turbulent moment, where national budget cuts and threats to freedom of speech loom over education, your power shines. You prove that real change doesn’t have to wait for headlines or sweeping reforms. It can begin locally, right on your block
You've shown what Reading Captains do best: building trust and making reading a reality in children's everyday lives motivating families and demonstrating the power of activated communities.
Thank you for your persistence and deep belief that Philly’s children all of our children are brilliant.
Every time you share a literacy tip, you’re planting seeds of growth You’re rewriting Philadelphia’s reading story one conversation, one connection, one child at a time.
Thank you for leading the Read by 4th movement with us.
The Read by 4th & Global Citizen Teams
Giving Back, Gaining Joy
“I get to see the smiles on the children’s and parents’ faces when I hand them reading materials. It is so rewarding.”
Reading Captain Partner Experience Survey, 2025
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
READING CAPTAINS PLEDGE TO:
Share reading tips and resources with parents and caregivers in their community, helping families build skills and nurture a love of reading in their children
Champion early literacy in Philly and advocate for policies and systems that help all children become strong readers
Spread the word about Read by 4th, stay connected and inspire others to join Philly’s early literacy movement.
JULY 2024 – JUNE 2025
132 new Reading Captains trained 1,256 Reading Captains trained since launch in 2017
14,958 parents and caregivers reached
53,750 early literacy resources shared with families
84% of Reading Captains feel prepared to share literacy tips and resources with families
83% of Reading Captains feel connected to the Read by 4th movement
87% of Reading Captains feel impactful
33,004 books shared with families
Data reflects responses from the Reading Captains Pledge and the 100 Reading Captains who completed Read by 4th’s 2025 Partner Experience Survey
WHERE WE’RE SERVING
“Learning
JULIA CADWALLENDER Managing Director
Read by 4th
New research shows relationships, not just resources, boost reading PROOF POINTS
A 2025 study by renowned literacy researcher Susan B Neuman shows that Reading Captains boost kids’ engagement with books and strengthen family connections in everyday spaces.
RECOGNIZING GREATNESS
Reading Captains honored by City Council
In honor of National Reading Month, City Councilmember Anthony Phillips recognized Reading Captains for their dedication to early literacy and the many ways they serve their communities as volunteers and changemakers.
As the Read by 4th movement uplifts advocacy, so do Reading Captains ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Reading Captains are amplifying opportunities and sparking actionfocused conversations in their communities by sharing Read by 4th’s new advocacy posters
IMPROVING OPERATIONS
Shifting systems are making it easier to be a Reading Captain
From a new materials management process to updated training and fresh communications tools, we’re building the support systems Reading Captains need to thrive in their neighborhoods. Check out readby4th.org/portal for fresh resources
“When we read together, we grow together. Thank you for showing up in service, sharing your voice, and helping us turn a love of reading into a movement that reaches every corner of Philadelphia.
On behalf of everyone at the Free Library, I celebrate you.”
Kelly Richards President and Director Free Library of Philadelphia
“As a Reading Captain, you are a part of a legacy of care that makes the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection great. You’re more than a volunteer, you’re a symbol of hope for Philly’s families and communities. Thank you for leading with compassion.”
Monique Moore Pryor, Esq. President Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation
Featured Reading Captain
For Reading Captain Jazmine Taylor, literacy is about legacy
Jazmine is proof that leadership doesn’t just come from titles. It comes from lived experience and the courage to turn that into fuel for change.
She’s not just handing out books, she’s showing families what’s possible, using her story to connect on a personal level, and reminding us all that literacy is the root of opportunity
QWhy did you want to champion literacy?
I was that kid who didn’t know how to read. I had to figure out a different way. I don’t want another child to feel left behind the way I did
Just because a child doesn’t talk or read the “usual” way doesn’t mean they aren’t brilliant They could be the next artist or even the next president!
QLiteracy is important because…
Literacy is important because our kids are our legacy.
They’re the next generation that will teach others to read More readers means more goals achieved, more businesses started, more success for Philly When kids can read, schools can thrive, and resources flow into our communities
QWhat’s a favorite Reading Captain memory?
The kids get so excited to get new books in their hands.
And it’s not just the kids, the parents love it too!
Sometimes they see a book they haven’t read since they were young, and I tell them, “Go ahead, read it! Don’t judge yourself You can dream too!” When parents are excited about reading, their kids follow.
