Support Literacy Nonprofits, and Fight Against Book Bans

Here is a list of nonprofit organizations that promote literacy, and access to the literature of others

To support organizations that promote literacy for children and adults, consider these:

Room To Read - An international organization that provides literacy instruction, child-friendly libraries, and local language children's books to under-resourced communities. This organization receives 4/4 stars from CharityNavigator.com.

The Immigrant Learning Center - Among other initiatives, this national organization provides free literacy classes for immigrant adults, as well as family literacy programming. This organization receives 4/4 stars from CharityNavigator.com.  

Reading Is Fundamental - A national organization that works to give children choice and access to age-appropriate books, especially in low-income communities. This organization receives 4/4 stars from CharityNavigator.com.

There are also incredible organizations serving individual states or cities. One of my favorite Philly-based literacy organizations is Mighty Writers, which serves PA and NJ. It receives 4/4 stars from CharityNavigator.com.

I also LOVE BookSmiles, a NJ based nonprofit that collects book donations and redistributes them to classrooms throughout the region, with a focus on Title I schools (I personally have donated to them, and used books from them in my classroom!).

I also recently learned about Our Bridge for Kids, a Charlotte-based organization providing English literacy support to immigrant children in the Charlotte area.

Google literacy organizations in your own city/state to find out what's available!

To rally against current trends of book-banning, consider donating to these organizations:

PEN America - This organization works to "ensure that people everywhere have the freedom to create literature, to convey information and ideas, to express their views, and to access the views, ideas, and literatures of others." This organization receives 4/4 stars from CharityNavigator.com.

Unite Against Book Bans - "With more than 200 partner organizations... Unite Against Book Bans connects, equips, and mobilizes the public to advocate in their communities for the right to read..."

The American Library Association - Their mission is to empower and advocate "for libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all." This organization receives 4/4 stars from CharityNavigator.com.