Date of Completion
Spring 5-1-2026
Thesis Advisor(s)
Dr. Elizabeth Greeno, Dr. Joy Learman
Honors Major
Social Work
Disciplines
Social Work
Abstract
A literature review about the connection of low adult literacy rates, poverty, and other barriers to education and literacy resources was conducted. The literature review uncovered that children living in underserved communities and experiencing poverty, have a lack of access to education and literacy resources, impacting their literacy skills that transferred into their adulthood. Information was gathered through research of online and scholar articles. A literacy kit event was conducted to make literacy kits to donate to public libraries in need of books. Interviews of local librarians was conducted to gained insight of their efforts to supporting children’s literacy and challenges they may face to fulfill it. The findings suggest that although libraries try to provide free and accessible services to children’s literacy, they still face obstacles of funding cuts, a disconnect of understanding between them and their community, and consistently working to meet the needs the children and families they see. A suggestion of university creating partnerships with local libraries and creating their own literacy volunteer programs to support children literacy and public libraries serving underserved children and families.
Accessibility Requirements
1
Recommended Citation
Clouser, Arianna E., "The Confluence of Literacy and Child Welfare: The Impact of Poverty & Adult Literacy and a Proposal for University Partnerships with Local Libraries to Close the Gaps of Low Literacy among Underserved Communities" (2026). Honors Scholar Theses. 1160.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/srhonors_theses/1160