Birmingham Reads : Book Drive

Birmingham’s Biggest Book Drive Page

April 1-15, 2011
Citywide

Book Dropoff Points:
Birmingham Area Books-A-Millions

Lend a hand to the children of Birmingham by participating in our annual book drive. Simply drop off a new or gently used children’s book at any of the dropoff location listed above between April 1 through 15 and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have promoted the single most important skill in a child’s life – READING!

Book Wish List

NEW children’s books of all kinds.
Monetary donations so that the CLG may buy new books.
Gently used children’s books of all kinds.

Staggering Statistics

28% of Alabama 4th graders read below grade level

24% of Alabama adults are functionally illiterate

The connection is not hard to see between childhood illiteracy and adult illiteracy in our state. Over one quarter of our school children are falling behind by fourth grade, and they catch up before growing up. The Birmingham News reported in mid-February that 41% of Birmingham City school children will drop out of school before graduation. That’s 41% of the potential work force entering adulthood without a high school diploma, and 25% of them without even the ability to read a job application.

73% of Alabama’s inmates are functionally illiterate

68% of adults on welfare are functionally illiterate

Illiteracy is the number one cause of poverty, and it is a cycle that is hard to break. The future is bleak for a struggling reader. If we don’t stop the cycle while they are in school and eager to learn, then the cycle never stops. Illiteracy is a drain on our economy and our community.

A Child Who Loves To Read Loves To Learn

Statistics prove that children who are read to on a regular basis and who are encouraged to read at home turn out to be better readers. That is why we must get adequate reading materials in the hands and homes of struggling readers so we can stop the cycle of illiteracy and poverty.