Public libraries are a national reading service, supporting reading and literacy throughout life. As a free local resource, they are particularly powerful in supporting the development of literacy and reading skills in disadvantaged communities. Libraries have a unique and powerful role to play in raising literacy skills, vital for individuals and communities to fulfil their social and economic potential. The pandemic has exacerbated the literacy challenge. Despite the huge achievements of the education and library sectors in supporting children's reading throughout periods of school closures, it is now apparent that the disruption caused by the pandemic has influenced children's literacy in a number of ways: (1) children from disadvantaged communities have fallen furthest behind; (2) school readiness has suffered and more children are starting school with speech and language delay; and (3) the early language development of babies and toddlers from disadvantaged communities has been particularly impacted by temporary library closures. The report highlights evidence that, despite the huge achievements of teachers and librarians in supporting pupils through periods of school closures, the pandemic has exacerbated the literacy gap between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Public libraries have an important role to play in supporting these pupils and aiding post pandemic educational recovery. [The report was produced in partnership with Libraries Connected.]