What’s in a Name? Our origin and evolution.

Over its three decades, the Children's Literacy Project has undergone several name changes, but its core mission remains constant: improving literacy for children from low-income families.

It all began in 1994 within the outreach committee of the Church of the Holy Family—a congregation of the Episcopal Church. Inspired by a powerful moment in St. Augustine of Hippo's life, marked by the words "pick up and read," the outreach effort adopted the name Augustine Literacy Project. This connection to Augustine's transformative call to reading served as a poignant reminder of the project's mission to inspire children's transformation through reading.

As the organization expanded and formed chapters in nearby communities, it became evident that the Augustine Literacy Project's influence stretched beyond its original location. The organization strategically rebranded itself as the Augustine Literacy Project of the Triangle, emphasizing its roots and distinguishing it from other ALP chapters. What began as a local initiative in Chapel Hill in 1994 evolved into a movement, comprising more than a dozen sites across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

In 2021, responding to the chapters' desire for increased independence, the Augustine Literacy Project of the Triangle transitioned into the Children's Literacy Project. This shift symbolized a purposeful move towards inclusivity and a broader scope, highlighting the organization's steadfast commitment to improving children's literacy rates in the Triangle and beyond.

 From its ecclesiastical origins to a regional identity and, finally, to an inclusive banner, each name change has demonstrated the organization's adaptability and unwavering dedication to fostering a love for reading among the most vulnerable members of our communities. The Children's Literacy Project, in its present form, pays homage to its founding principles while embracing a future where every child, regardless of circumstance, can unlock the doors to knowledge through literacy. The evolution of names is not a break but a continuation of a legacy rooted in compassion, education, and the timeless belief in the transformative power of reading.