The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation will present its first annual Community Impact Awards on June 8, honoring organizations, and individuals whose contributions have aligned with the Free Library’s mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity.
As one of the most wide-reaching civic and cultural institutions in Philadelphia, the Free Library and Foundation are uniquely positioned to identify and honor those making a difference, through philanthropy and through direct service. This year’s awards will honor those making an impact in Early Childhood Literacy.
“The Free Library of Philadelphia is thrilled to honor local organizations and individuals who share our commitment to advancing literacy and have taken creative and unique steps to do so in their communities,” said Shara Pollie, executive vice president of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. “The Community Impact Awards will be held annually to recognize those who are making our city stronger by enriching the lives of Philadelphians – in ways that align with the Library’s mission. We are very excited to be launching this annual event with the extraordinary honorees that have been selected for this year’s ceremony.”
The honorees at the Community Impact Awards as recommended by Free Library staff and leadership are as follows:
African American Children’s Book Project
The African American Children’s Book Project has been selected for this award in recognition of the thousands of children it has connected to culture-celebrating, identity-affirming, beautiful storytelling for 31 years. The Book Fair has increased the accessibility of African American children’s literature in Philadelphia and has become a beloved tradition for generations of families citywide. The African American Children’s Book Project has forever changed the landscape of children’s literature for the better.
Joyful Readers
Joyful Readers was chosen for this recognition for the quality, skilled, individualized reading tutoring that it is providing in Philadelphia. Research has shown that in-school tutoring is one of the best ways to address differences in reading skills.
Philibros
Philibros was selected for recognition for the creation of biblio-boxes and its commitment to increasing access to Spanish language books across Philadelphia. Biblio-boxes help readers of all ages stay connected to their culture through stories. Their work has helped more Spanish-speaking families feel seen in Philadelphia’s literacy landscape.
Read to Succeed Philadelphia
Read to Succeed was selected for addressing the literacy needs of Philadelphia children. The program ensures that hundreds of Philadelphia students are getting the extra help and support they need to close the reading skills gap they face. It raises awareness about early literacy and promotes quality resources and meaningful home literacy habits. Philadelphia’s early literacy ecosystem is stronger as a result of your work.
Reading Allowed
Reading Allowed was selected for expanding access to Wilson-certified tutoring for Philadelphia students. Reading Allowed has identified a new model for bringing this type of tutoring to students and successfully built a program to do so. It has also raised awareness of the social justice issues related to the literacy crisis and of the interconnected issues of poverty, early literacy, and incarceration.
Barbershop Books
Barbershop Books was selected in recognition of its work to bring culturally responsive children’s books to places where children and families spend time, namely barbershops. These efforts have turned everyday places into places of learning, engaging, and activating community members to be literacy advocates in new and innovative ways. As a result of that work, young boys in many Philadelphia neighborhoods now have new places to find books that represent their lived experiences.
The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation has invited the public to join in celebrating these organizations and their achievements in early childhood literacy at a cocktail reception at the Parkway Central Library on June 8 at 6:30 p.m., followed by a celebratory dinner. Tickets to the Community Impact Awards are available now at: www.freelibrary.org/awards.
Ticket sales further support the Free Library’s mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity for Philadelphians of all ages.
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