Final Report for the Institute of Museum and Library Services

IMLS commissioned a Child Reading Literacy study in 2023 to better understand the ecosystem of support for children’s engagement in reading with a focus on the role of public libraries. Engagement in reading is a multidimensional construct that includes aspects such as early literacy skill development and elements of the home literacy environment for young children (age 0 to 5) and aspects of reading ability, reading for pleasure, and motivation to read for early elementary age children. Findings from this study reveal the types of activities that may support professional development, investments, and partnerships around children’s engagement in reading. In 2024, Mathematica conducted a secondary research review (Lugo-Gil et al., 2026). Building on that review, from March 2025 to March 2026, Mathematica conducted interviews with library system leaders, interviews with children’s library staff, and focus groups with library system leaders and community partners to understand their experiences engaging children ages 0 to 12 in reading. This report summarizes findings from the primary data collection activities. Findings suggest that public libraries are community-responsive institutions that support children’s engagement in reading through programming, outreach, collections, and partnerships, with a focus on family engagement. Library staff shared how their day-to-day work touches on the many aspects of children’s engagement in reading, such as early literacy skill development, reading for pleasure, and positive attitudes toward books.

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IMLS’ Research and Evaluation studies align with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 with the goal of using data and evidence to support its agency mission and improve its operations.