1 in 4 children in Alberta can’t read their way out of Grade 3.
Literacy impacts a child’s entire life arc. The impact on society is far-reaching – from economic, health, justice and equity perspectives. We can change this statistic by working together across the entire system.
About KLC
The Kids Literacy Collective is not an organization. We are a message.
The Kids Literacy Collective is a network of educators, community leaders, program providers, and literacy changemakers working together to ensure children can read by Grade 3.
The Kids Literacy Collective exists to support early literacy in Calgary. Many organizations, leaders, and practitioners already bring deep expertise and commitment to this work. The goal of the collective is to intentionally connect these efforts by increasing access to shared knowledge and supporting meaningful collaboration across the literacy ecosystem.
– The literacy crisis
Literacy is a basic human right. And a critical life skill.
When kids can’t read, it affects their whole life. And it affects all of society.
Almost half (45%) of all working-age Albertans do not have the literacy skills required to perform most jobs in today’s economy reliably and consistently (citation). This results in lower productivity, more workplace accidents, and greater absenteeism. Just a 1% increase in adult literacy would create an economic benefit of $60 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) (citation).
Our children are facing a literacy crisis.
Deep inequities in our society create structural barriers – such as unfair access to programs, affordability of books, class sizes, housing stress, food insecurity, and childhood trauma – that contribute to poor childhood literacy.
Starting early is key.
There are many organizations in all sectors working to close the literacy gap in adults. We believe there is a greater opportunity to work upstream.
Childhood literacy begins in infancy, spans the toddler years, and progresses into school. By addressing childhood literacy early, we can lay the foundation for a child’s future success and wellbeing while also supporting a future workforce that has the necessary literacy skills to solve problems, think critically and be creative.
Why grade 3?
Reading by grade 3 is a pivotal milestone for children: this is when they shift from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn.’ By the end of third grade, students are expected to use reading as a tool to gain knowledge in other subjects. When they can’t – it impacts their entire life. Third-graders who lack strong reading skills are four times more likely to become high school dropouts, creating a lifelong gap in sociability, employment, income, and health.
Reading isn’t just chapter books.
It’s board books and picture books. It’s comic books and graphic novels.
It’s listening to audiobooks in the car.
It’s reading recipes, street signs, and cereal boxes.
It’s talking about a story after you finish it.
All of it counts.
What we do
We are determined and unconventional in our approach. Because convention isn’t making the progress we all need.
We unite and mobilize adults to support reading skills and foster a love of reading in children – helping create the grassroots and systemic conditions needed to improve childhood literacy rates.
We connect
We will convene partners across sectors – including healthcare, education, early childhood, nonprofits, and tutoring organizations – to strengthen collaboration and build capacity in evidence-based literacy practices.
We advocate
We will equip partners with evidence-based knowledge, tools, and strategies to strengthen their own work and advocate for meaningful change – in both mindset and action – so every child has equal opportunity to succeed.
We curate
We will identify, amplify, and elevate trusted resources, proven practices, and practical tools to support capacity building - so families, educators, and partners can easily access and embrace what works.
We inform
We will shift mindsets by sharing compelling data, spotlighting proven literacy practices, and challenging inaccurate narratives about why children struggle to read.
Our network
We’re getting everyone on the same page
We unite and mobilize adults to support reading skills and foster a love of reading in children – helping create the grassroots and systemic conditions needed to improve childhood literacy rates.
Trustees
Our trustees provide strategic leadership, oversight and evaluation of the collective’s relationships and impact through three subcommittees carrying out focused research, communications, engagement and advocacy work.
Steve Allan
Scott Crockatt
Susan Graham
Ken Lima-Coelho
Emma MacIsaac
Jodi Nickel
Steacy Pinney
Joanne Pitman
Krista Poole
Meaghon Reid
Heather Robertson
Suzanne Tough
Sommer Wedlock
Partner organizations
Our partner organizations steward their own community-based initiatives and collaborate through the collective to advance childhood literacy. By working together, we amplify our shared impact.
Our history
Calgary Reads
Calgary Reads, a small and beloved nonprofit dedicated to childhood literacy, dreams that all children in Calgary become joyful, confident readers. The organization takes part in the First 2000 Days Network, 369, and Left Unread.
Pandemic and dissolution
Because of the pandemic, far more children need reading support than Calgary Reads can reach alone. In response, the organization dissolves, adopting a “dandelion strategy” – spreading knowledge and action across the community.
Dandelion strategy
The dandelion seeds – programs, assets, partnerships and events - are planted within ‘seed partners’ who nurture and grow the initiatives for even greater impact.
Seed partners
The seed partners meet regularly and have evolved into Trustees of the Kids Literacy Collective, working together to strengthen connection, deepen engagement, build capacity, and advocate for Calgary’s young readers.
Kids Literacy Collective
The Kids Literacy Collective leverages a common voice and shared vision for structural, relational and transformational change. New partners continue to join the network for even greater early literacy impact.
Make 2026 your Year of Reading
We are (un)officially declaring 2026 the Year of Reading in Calgary. This is an experiment to see if Kids Literacy Collective can motivate people, of all ages, to get engaged; have an interest in and enjoy reading; identify as a reader and contribute to Calgary being an exciting reading city.
Make your pledge to
A Year of Reading 2026
We invite you to consider what you might offer as a commitment to the year of reading. You will be taken to a short form that will allow you to submit your commitment.
Ways to participate
Take the wee read course
Learn how reading to a child strengthens connection and nurtures the confidence and joy of reading.
Visit your local library
Discover free books, welcoming spaces, and programs that spark curiosity and nurture a love of reading.
Follow Kids Literacy Collective on social media
Learn about practical tips, trusted resources, and partner activities to support the readers in your life.
Check out the Big Book Sale
Explore nearly 200,000+ gently used books of every genre imaginable.
Donate books to the Book Bank
Help thousands of children access books of their very own and get hooked on reading.
Visit Little Red Reading House
A place where children discover the magic of reading and families discover the joy of reading together.
Join the Picture Book Club (for Adults)
Learn how reading to a child strengthens connection and nurtures the confidence and joy of reading.
Adopt a Little Free Library
Learn how reading to a child strengthens connection and nurtures the confidence and joy of reading.
Attend Word Fest events
Be a part of one of the many diverse events of the festival in October, or attend an author event all year round.
Together, we can change their next chapter
Join the collective
Stay connected with the Kids Literacy Collective through our newsletters – your source for updates, resources, and stories that celebrate the power of reading. Whether you’re an educator, caregiver, or literacy advocate, stay informed about programs, community initiatives, and ways to support children’s literacy.
