WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), alongside a bipartisan group of his colleagues, is cosponsoring a resolution recognizing the importance of literacy, as well as encouraging more Maine people and Americans of all ages to pick up a good book. The resolution establishes September 2025 as “National Literacy Month.”

“Reading will open your eyes to new worlds and ideas,” said Senator King. “For people of all ages, literacy not only expands economic opportunities and growth, but also encourages us to think more and be more skeptical consumers of information. When we invest in literacy, we invest in our families, communities and our society. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to cosponsor this resolution highlighting the importance of literacy, and I remain committed to advocating for literacy awareness for all Maine people, and people across our nation.”

Reading is a cornerstone for personal growth, economic opportunity, and a strong society. Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the most important predictors of whether a student will graduate high school and succeed in a career, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to a 2020 study by Gallup in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, it is estimated that low levels of adult literacy could be costing America as much as $2.2 trillion a year.

In recognition of National Literacy Month, throughout the month of September, schools, libraries, non-profits, and other organizations will host a variety of activities, events, and free workshops highlighting the importance of building and strengthening literacy skills and the benefits of reading on healthy development.

The resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Justice (R-WV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Katie Britt (R-AL), James Lankford (R-OK), Jack Reed (D-RI), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Supporters of the resolution include the National Parents Union, Ed Trust and Educators for Excellence.

Senator King has been steadfast champion of literacy programs for Maine people, and previously cosponsored a resolution recognizing the lifelong impact childhood literacy programs have on the success of Maine children and their communities.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

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