City of Evansville Launches “We Read” Initiative to Boost Early Literacy

Our Times Staff

Last week the City of Evansville announced the launch of We Read, a citywide initiative focused on improving literacy and strengthening early learning across the community. The program sets an ambitious goal: by 2027, 95 percent of Evansville students will be reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

Reading proficiency by third grade is widely recognized as a key predictor of long-term academic success. Students who struggle with reading in the early years are more likely to face ongoing academic challenges. We Read aims to address this by expanding access to books and reinforcing the importance of literacy both inside and outside the classroom.

The initiative aligns with the administration’s focus on youth development and is supported by the Mayor’s Education Roundtable, the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, and the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library. Organizers emphasize that literacy development extends beyond schools and requires partnership among families, community organizations, and neighborhoods.

Phase One, titled Building Home Libraries, focuses on increasing access to books at home. With funding from Mattingly Charities and in partnership with the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, the initiative will provide 13 age-appropriate books to every kindergarten through third-grade student in the Evansville Promise Neighborhood. Research shows that having books at home plays a critical role in early reading development.

Phase Two will expand We Read throughout the broader community, encouraging residents, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and local businesses to help make books visible and accessible in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

City leaders say the initiative reflects a shared commitment to investing in children early and strengthening educational outcomes for future generations.