I am a member of the Foundation Board of the Cuyahoga County Public Library and one of their most impactful programs, 123 READ, helps young students that are at risk of failing the 3rd-grade reading guarantee. Third grade is an important literary marker because prior to this grade children “learn to read” and after they “read to learn”. If a child is not reading on grade level by fourth grade as much as half of the curriculum will be incomprehensible.

Nine years ago CCPL created a free program called 123 READ in partnership with local school districts to identify these students and help them get on track. 85% of the participants demonstrate improvement toward grade-level reading.

The pandemic has exacerbated this problem as so many vulnerable children are just getting back to in-person learning. A recent report from McKinsey finds that students in low-income communities ended the academic year six months behind in reading. This year, please celebrate my birthday by giving to 123 READ at CCPL. Thank you.