Premier North American library association publishes resource to advance literacy learning in urban public libraries

Washington, DC — The Urban Libraries Council is releasing today its new “Science of Reading Toolkit,” a comprehensive resource designed to help public libraries implement evidence-based reading strategies to enhance youth literacy. This toolkit guides libraries on prioritizing equity, understanding the science of reading, designing community-focused programs, embedding structured literacy elements, and measuring program outcomes.

The Science of Reading encompasses a comprehensive body of research that spans cognitive psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and education, providing a well-rounded understanding of how children learn to read. There is an urgent opportunity for libraries to advance youth literacy and ensure equitable access to quality education, as reading proficiency levels for students in the United States are in a decline, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“By equipping library staff with practical strategies and fostering partnerships with schools and community organizations, the toolkit can help libraries ensure every child becomes a confident reader,” said ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater. “Through collaborative efforts and tailored programs, libraries be an inclusive place for young people to learn and encourage a lifelong love of reading.”

ULC’s Science of Reading Toolkit includes examples of best practices in place at libraries across the U.S. and Canada, including:

• The Chicago Public Library’s Jump Into Reading initiative encourages early literacy and fosters a love of reading in young children through storytimes, reading challenges, and educational materials for parents and caregivers.
• The San Francisco Public Library’s FOG (Free Orton-Gillingham) Readers intervention program matches struggling readers in grades 1-4 with a trained tutor. The program breaks reading and spelling down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds for students.
• The Toledo Lucas County Library is training librarians in the Science of Reading, creating new reading programs, and developing resources for parents to support their children’s literacy at home. This approach is aligned with statewide literacy efforts.

By embracing the evidence-based approaches and strategies outlined in the new toolkit, libraries can ensure that their services are inclusive, relevant, and effective, ultimately fostering a more literate and empowered community.

To access the free toolkit, as well as other resources for public libraries about the Science of Reading, visit the ULC website.

The Urban Libraries Council is an innovation and impact tank of North America’s leading public library systems. ULC drives cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships to elevate the power of libraries as essential, transformative institutions. Across the U.S. and Canada, more than 180 member libraries rely on ULC to identify significant challenges facing today’s communities and provide new tools and techniques to help libraries achieve stronger outcomes in education, digital equity, workforce and economic development, and race and social equity. Learn more at urbanlibraries.org.

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