On the Importance of Reading

Reading opens up new worlds and new opportunities.

The adult literacy rate in the U.S. hovers around 79% as of 2024, which means that about 21% of Americans are unable to read and write well enough to understand written information and use it to do basic tasks. People without the basic life skills of reading and writing are at an immediate disadvantage right from the start—impeded by barriers that create a rocky and far-from-level playing field.

The impact of illiteracy is economic as well as social, with illiteracy being a factor in lower productivity, higher unemployment, and lost revenue. Consider these statistics.

• Illiteracy costs American taxpayers an estimated $20 billion each year.

• School dropouts cost the nation $240 billion in social service expenditures and lost tax revenues.

• Low adult literacy is estimated to cost the U.S. economy up to $2.2 trillion annually in lost productivity and earnings.

• Between $106 billion and $238 billion in health care costs each year are linked to low adult literacy skills. (1)

Perhaps the most horrifying statistic is the one that correlates the reading level of children to the adults in their sphere:

• Children surrounded by adults with low literacy rates are 72% more likely to have a low reading level in school. (1)

As schools across the country go back to the business of teaching, consider how you might help with these numbers. Whether it’s reading with a middle-grade student or teaching reading to a middle-aged parent, know that with every word you’re making a difference.

Celeste Tillson, owner of A&M Writing and Publishing, offers writing and editing services on a contract basis. Contact info@amwriting.com for more information.