The Library of Congress and the Advertising Council have launched a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage children and adults to become engaged in reading and all other forms of literacy.

Television Spots – Watch:

Radio Spots – Listen:

Print/Billboard Ads

Book People Unite
Enlarge	Enlarge
John Carter
Enlarge	Enlarge

Background

According to the National Institute for Literacy, success in school—and life—starts with literacy. When children become good readers in the early grades, they are more likely to become better learners throughout their school years and beyond. However, results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress reading test found that 37 percent of American fourth-graders read below the "basic" level.

A series of public service announcements, aimed to reach children in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades and their parents, focus on engaging children in all forms of literacy, whether it is reading a book or magazine, studying history, visiting a museum or simply using their imagination. The TV, radio, online and outdoor spots were developed in collaboration with the Ad Council and Universal Partnerships & Licensing and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and feature the iconic characters from the Curious George book series. The spots aim to encourage parents to read to their children to help inspire them to become curious readers. Additionally, a series of radio spots were created pro bono by BYU Ad Lab. Per the Ad Council model, the announcements have been distributed to media outlets nationwide and will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

The Library and the Ad Council have been partners in raising awareness for literacy since 2000, with the launch of the America’s Library website and a series of PSAs promoting historical knowledge.

• More on the Advertising Council (external link)