Literacy is the key to solving .
All the things I worry about in life would be better if more people could read, write, and comprehend.
Throughout 2025 we are honoring the 100th anniversary of our founder’s birth through the Barbara Bush Centennial. Featuring special events across the country and the launch of new programmatic initiatives, this yearlong celebration honors Barbara Bush’s legacy of literacy.
We were joined by New York Times bestselling authors Claire Lombardo, Dani Shapiro, and Chris Whitaker as part of a three-day series of events honoring Barbara Bush’s 100th birthday in Kennebunkport.
The Foundation has partnered with Jane Win, celebrated creator of meaningful coin jewelry and charms, on a limited-edition collection in honor of Barbara Bush’s Centennial.
“Literacy is everyone’s business. Period.”
– Barbara Bush
Literacy is the foundation on which we build full, productive lives – as individuals, as communities, and as a nation. Yet 54% of U.S. adults read below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level, and 64% of our country’s fourth graders do not read proficiently. This multigenerational challenge impacts all of us, and it is linked to some of today’s most pressing concerns, from economic growth and public health to community safety and civic engagement. National Center for Education Statistics. Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/piaac/state-county-estimates.asp#4
challenge in our
highest-risk
communities.
struggle to fill out
a form. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), 2012/2014/2017 https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/piaac/skillsmap/src/PDF/STATE.pdf.
Improving every
aspect of life
For over 35 years, we’ve been changing lives through literacy. Our high-quality programs and resources help parents and children nationwide build literacy skills. Through our research and education initiatives, we drive multisector engagement in solving our country’s literacy challenge.
LEARN MOREDonate to invest
in our country’s future
By investing in literacy, we can strengthen families, communities, and businesses across the United States. Help us solve today’s most pressing issues.
Donate NowIf you are a company or organization, learn about more ways to give.
A legacy of literacy
Our founder, Barbara Bush, knew that literacy is key to improving lives. As the nation’s leading advocate for family literacy, we’re continuing her mission.
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