Community Reading Day

Did you know that 21% of US adults read below a 5th grade level, and 19% of high school grads are considered illiterate? Illiterate individuals have more workplace accidents, more often misuse medication due to their inability to read relevant info (warnings, dosage, etc.), and the higher the illiteracy rate, there is a corresponding drop in our nation’s GDP?

The Rotary Club of San Pedro is battling illiteracy by putting on our “San Pedro Rotary Readers” event in April at the Los Angeles Public Library on Gaffey. We are bringing at-risk children into contact with authors, illustrators and storytellers presenting the magical world of reading in a fast-paced, fun and interactive way. Participating children will receive a backpack with age-appropriate books, resources and other items that will assist them in their journey to literacy, including a zumba dance, a library tour, and instant library cards for those who don't already have them.