The West Philadelphia Alliance for Children (WePAC), with support from Penn Libraries Community Engagement, is combating the literacy crisis in Philadelphia’s public schools one book at a time.
After budget cuts eliminated certified teacher librarians in School District of Philadelphia library spaces, literacy rates started to decline, with two-thirds of local students not reading at grade-level by fourth grade. In support of WePAC’s efforts to revitalize programming in these libraries, Penn Libraries Community Engagement helps build quality collections, get new books into the system, and connect Penn work study students with opportunities to visit schools to engage directly with K–3 students.
“It’s been wonderful to have Penn Libraries’ Community Engagement help us build out those collections in those schools, and it gets the school administration excited,” said WePAC Executive Director Jennifer Leith.
Leith, Penn Community Engagement Librarian Gina Pambianchi, and Penn work study student Sarahi Franco-Morales (class of 2027) sat down to discuss how the partnership between Penn Libraries and WePAC empowers students to further their own learning while building strong relationships with reading and library spaces.
“Your Stories: Penn Libraries & WePAC.” Penn work study student, The Philadelphia Citizen’s 2023 Citizen of the Year award recipient, and South Philly native Sarahi Franco-Morales (class of 2027) sits down with WePAC Executive Director Jennifer Leith and Community Engagement Librarian Gina Pambianchi to discuss the importance of accessible library spaces to local Philadelphia students.
“You really just can’t underestimate the magic of kids holding books in their hands and finding new books to explore,” said Pambianchi.
“In a way, the students are the boss,” added Franco-Morales. “We’re there to assist in whatever way they want us to, but at the end of the day, they’re the ones that communicate or tell us what type of library they want.”