We librarians always talk about family literacy because we know it’s a “good thing.”  Sure it’s a good thing but do we really know how good it is?

We do now.  The Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network has published a paper entitled The Social Costs of Low Literacy Skills.  The authors of the study found that low rates of literacy among adults places great burdens on society as well as the individuals involved.

People are less likely to vote and volunteer – two important pillars of society.  They are also unable to participate in activities that increase skills and learning.

Low literacy rates are very likely to lead to higher health care costs that communities have to bear.  This is on top of the costs of those who are dependent on government assistance.

A child’s ability and willingness to learn are strongly influenced by the mother’s education and literacy level.  Literacy gaps are often passed on between generations.

This 45 page document contains many approaches to increase literacy.  It was once thought that there wasn’t much that could be done to improve literacy among adults or to ensure that a child’s literacy progress wasn’t undone at home. 

Libraries are mentioned only once in this report which is a shame.  They are the only public arena where both parents and adults can come for materials to bring home that help parents with their learning and help parents reinforce their children’s literacy attainment at school.