Giannoulias Joins Illinois Literacy Foundation, YMCA to Celebrate National Read Across America Day with Book Donation and Day of Service

Giannoulias Joins Illinois Literacy Foundation, YMCA to Celebrate National Read Across America Day with Book Donation and Day of Service

In recognition of National Read Across America Day, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced a coordinated literacy initiative that distributed thousands of children’s books and brought volunteer readers into YMCA sites across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, reinforcing the importance of reading as a shared, lifelong activity.

The Illinois Literacy Foundation, in partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, hosted a Day of Service on March 2, 2026, as part of National Read Across America Day – widely recognized as the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The effort was supported by the Secretary of State’s Office and the Illinois State Library, with over 2,000 books being distributed to children and families.

“Reading together is one of the most meaningful ways adults can support a child’s development,” Giannoulias said. “When a caregiver or trusted adult reads with a child, it conveys safety, care, and connection – and it builds vocabulary, curiosity and confidence that carry into the classroom and beyond. As State Librarian, I’m proud to partner with the Illinois Literacy Foundation and the YMCA to celebrate reading not just on one day, but as a year-round priority.”

The initiative is expected to reach approximately 2,100 children across multiple partner sites, including:

21 YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago sites, serving an estimated 1,297 children;

Five Metropolitan Family Services sites, serving approximately 763 children; and

One Friends of the Children site, serving about 40 children through a YMCA-hosted program operated by Friends of the Children.

Books supporting the event have been donated by the Illinois State Library, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and Read with a Buddy. The Illinois Literacy Foundation continues to seek partners to help meet overall book distribution needs.

“Literacy is the foundation of a child’s lifelong learning, confidence, and opportunity. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, our early learning and childhood development programs are designed to build strong language and literacy skills from the very beginning, helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally,” said Danette Connors, Chief Learning Officer of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “We are deeply grateful to the Illinois Literacy Foundation for its leadership and commitment to advancing literacy across Illinois, and to the Secretary of State’s Office and the Illinois State Library for their generous donation of 2,000 new books to YMCA children and families. Partnerships like these help ensure that every child has access to the tools they need to learn, imagine, and thrive.”

“Literacy starts with something simple: a book inside the home. The data is clear – even one book can nearly double the odds that a child is on track. Today, more than 2,000 students received books. That’s real impact and something the Illinois Literacy Foundation is extremely proud to be a part of,” said Mo Khan, Board Chair of the Illinois Literacy Foundation.

The Day of Service took place at YMCA sites throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, with volunteer readers – many of them seniors and longtime YMCA volunteers – reading age-appropriate books to children enrolled in YMCA programs. Morning sessions ran from 10:00 a.m. to noon and focused on early childhood students five and under, while afternoon sessions ran from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., serving elementary-aged students ages five to 12.

National Read Across America Day was launched in 1988 by the National Education Association to encourage reading and literacy year-round. March is also recognized as National Reading Month, underscoring the importance of early exposure to books, storytelling and conversation – all of which help lay the groundwork for reading proficiency and long-term academic success.

Organizers hope the event will inspire additional literacy-focused partnerships and volunteer opportunities in the future, with plans to explore similar efforts during National Literacy Month in September.



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