Contra Costa County Library invites you to a free viewing of, The Truth About Reading: The Invisible Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight (2022) a film by Emmy Award winning director, Nick Nanton.

Literacy experts from across America, including Emily Hanford of Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong and Lacey Robinson of UnboundEd, emphasize the gravity of the illiteracy crisis and share how the implementation of science and evidence-based practices can transform lives and ensure that every child learns how to read. The documentary highlights the stories of David Chalk and John Corcoran, two men who didn’t learn how to read and write until they were adults. Following their stories gives a glimpse into the hard truth of how illiteracy and sub-literacy impede a person’s ability to truly thrive. While the film illustrates the painful reality of life for individuals impacted by illiteracy, it also reminds viewers that the issue is not one that affects just a few struggling readers, but one that affects countless children and adults and weakens the very fabric of our society.

Film running time: 82 minutes Registration to attend the in-person screening is not required, but if you register you will receive a reminder.