This November, explore ways families can raise readers and future voters.
Every November during National Family Literacy Month, we celebrate the ways that families foster literacy at home. We know that reading books together, talking about books, and going to the library as a family are the best ways to raise readers. One literacy skill families don't always realize they foster is civic literacy.
What is Civic Literacy?
The Institute of Museum and Library Services defines civic literacy as the knowledge and skills needed to
- stay informed and understand governmental processes
- exercise the rights and obligations of citizenship.
- understand the implications of civic decisions made at the local, state, national, and global levels
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services: Museums, Libraries, and 21st Century Skills.
Civic literacy is crucial to raising future voters and good citizens. Just as lifelong reading habits are encouraged at home, families play a vital role in developing civic literacy skills in children.
My own childhood experiences tagging along with my family to the polls instilled the importance of civic literacy. My earliest voting memory is of me being annoyed with not being allowed to vote. After all, I waited in that long line with my parents and grandparents, why don't I get a ballot? Eight-year-old me demanded answers. My parents explained the voting age requirements and that I would have to wait ten years. I pouted, "Ten years is so far away! I probably wouldn't want to vote for those candidates." (A little backstory, my second-grade class had a mock presidential election that day, and I wanted my guy Bob Dole to be victorious. This decision was solely based on the animal of his party. Later, I would learn about the importance of making informed decisions.)
It was then that grandma shared a monumental civics lesson, "Voting is our right as Americans, but at one time, women and people of color could not vote. That is why we vote in every election; we make our vote count." My grandma has since passed, but her words that day have stuck with me. I think about them every time I cast my vote.
My family is not unique in creating these civic literacy moments at home. Every election, I have witnessed other families encouraging civic literacy, from teaching children "You can only vote once." to "We don't say who we're voting for out loud because it might influence other people's vote. We can only do that 50 feet away. That's why all the signs are that far out. It's the law."
Civic Literacy is not just about elections and voting. It's about involvement and engagement in governmental processes from local school boards to acting as a global citizen. Civic literacy teaching opportunities are available year-round.
3 Simple Ways to Build Civic Literacy as a Family
Visit the Library
Libraries are civic hubs where everyone in the community is welcomed. We see the power of community connection at story times, book clubs, Citizenship classes, volunteering, or even Pokémon clubs. Visiting the library and attending library programs with your family will make you more invested in your community.
Get a Library Card
At HCPL, it's common for families to have a single library card, since you can check out 75 items at a time. Parents often ask, "Should my child have their own library card?" The answer is yes! Getting a library card is the first step to teaching children how to be good citizens. A library card is a responsibility. When books are checked out, the library is trusting the reader to return the item for the next reader to enjoy. It's also an empowering moment. A library card is physical proof that a child is part of this community of readers, and they can use it to access knowledge.
Read Together
One of the best ways for families to engage with civics year-round is to read together. Look no further than your local Harris County Public Library branch! The book list below includes books that celebrate democracy, civic engagement, and American history that families can read and discuss all year long.
Civic Literacy Books @ HCPL
Picture Books
Middle Grade
The Side-by-side Declaration of Independence
Young Adult
More Civic Literacy Resources
Looking for more civic literacy resources? Visit the National Constitution Center for more nonpartisan constitutional resources and activities. I especially recommend the Civic Parenting Podcast.
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