Reading Promise (Innovative Early Literacy Campaign) Launch Event – Apr 6

Posted by Free Library of Philadelphia on April 5, 2022

Reading Promise, an innovative early literacy campaign for families on public transit is beginning in April! Featuring Graphic that says Come aboard the reading promise large, vibrant artwork and interactive cues designed to encourage the types of adult-child conversations that research has shown support early language and literacy development, the campaign is in two subway stations on SEPTA’s Broad Street Line (Tasker-Morris in South Philadelphia and Erie in North Philadelphia) and includes 70 bus shelters, three dozen buses, two subway cars, and hundreds of subway and rail signs across the city.

The campaign is designed for family enjoyment, utilizing the potential of highly used public spaces for learning. In addition to the engaging signage, a kiosk at each of the two subway stations dispenses short stories on demand at no charge that families can read together during their travels. The campaign also accepts story submissions from children and families throughout the school year.

The project was possible thanks to the work of many partners in the Read by 4th campaign. Key partners include the Free Library and SEPTA, with funding from the William Penn Foundation. Learn more about the Reading Promise, and make your plans to attend the launch event on Wednesday, April 6 at 10:00 a.m. at the Tasker-Morris Station.