ABOUT US: Calgary Reads is an early literacy organization changing lives. By providing children with all the essentials to become thriving readers--their very own books, strong reading role models and safe, fun reading spaces--we put children on a path to success. OUR VISION: A thriving community where all children have the opportunity to read with confidence and joy. OUR MISSION: Improving the confidence and ability of struggling young readers and actively promoting literacy by working together with community agencies, families, volunteers, and businesses. WHY? We do this because twenty-eight per cent of typically developing children in Alberta entering kindergarten today are already behind their peers in language and literacy skills. We know that if a student doesn't catch up by grade three, it is unlikely he or she will. WHY IS EARLY LITERACY IMPORTANT? - Literacy is important because it is a fundamental life skill. Increased reading levels improve an individual's self-esteem, academic achievement, career and parenting success. - Literacy drives economic growth, productivity and innovation. It enables curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. - Literacy results in increased quality of life. - Literate children have a greater chance of becoming competent and contributing members of our society who are economically self-sufficient. - Poor literacy is related to diminished self esteem, high school drop-out rates, long term unemployment, ill health and high crime rates.