Giannoulias Joins Illinois Literacy Foundation, 22 YMCAs To Celebrate Illinois Literacy Day With Statewide Book Donation And Day Of Service

8,000+ Books Donated by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Bernie’s Book Bank, Simon & Schuster and Individual Supporters

Max Walczyk - Office of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

Oct 1, 2026 10:30 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – In recognition of Illinois Literacy Day, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias today joined the Illinois Literacy Foundation and the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs to celebrate a statewide Day of Service focused on putting more books into the hands of children and families across Illinois.

The initiative will distribute more than 8,000 books and bring volunteer readers and family-focused literacy activities to 118 early childhood and afterschool program sites across the state through partnerships with 22 YMCAs, including events in Chicago, Springfield and Champaign. The books were donated by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Bernie’s Book Bank, Simon & Schuster and individual supporters who contributed through Bookshop and Amazon wish lists.

“Illinois Literacy Day showcases what we can accomplish when we come together to support children and families,” Giannoulias said. “Reading opens doors, unlocks the imagination and is one of the most meaningful ways to support a child’s development. As State Librarian, I’m proud to partner with the Illinois Literacy Foundation, the YMCA, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Bernie’s Book Bank and Simon & Schuster to celebrate reading today and help ensure families have books and other resources at home to build strong literacy habits.”

Building on the success of the Day of Service organized last March by the Illinois Literacy Foundation and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago for Read Across America Day, today’s expanded partnership reflects Illinois’ year-round commitment to increasing access to books, supporting early literacy and helping families build a love of reading together. During the March event, the Illinois State Library distributed more than 2,000 children’s books and brought volunteer readers to YMCA sites throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

“Reading is essential to a child’s future. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, we work every day to strengthen early reading and language skills through our preschool and school-age learning programs across Chicagoland,” said Adam M. Alonso, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “We’re grateful to the Illinois Literacy Foundation and statewide partners for helping bring an additional 1,600 books to children and families, ensuring they have the tools to learn and thrive.”

“Ensuring children have access to books is one of the simplest and strongest investments we can make in their future,” said Mo Khan, Board Chair of the Illinois Literacy Foundation. “By expanding this partnership to YMCAs across the state and distributing over 8,000 books, we’re putting new literacy resources directly into the hands of thousands of families. This effort reflects the Illinois Literacy Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to literacy opportunities in our communities across Illinois.”

“Access to books plays a vital role in a child’s development. At the Springfield YMCA, we help children build early literacy foundations that support lifelong learning,” said Kenzi Primus, Branch Director of the Gus and Flora Kerasotes YMCA. “The Illinois Literacy Foundation and its partners are strengthening that mission by delivering 800 books to families right here in Springfield for Illinois Literacy Day. We’re also thankful for our local YMCA members, who have contributed to this effort by donating an additional 1,000 books.”

“Strong literacy skills create opportunities for children. At the Stephens Family YMCA in Champaign, we’re committed to providing spaces where young learners can explore stories and develop confidence,” said Jeff Dobrik, COO of the Stephens Family YMCA. “With over 400 books being distributed locally and University of Illinois student athletes along with local celebrities volunteering as readers, today’s celebration strengthens our mission and brings fresh momentum to literacy efforts across our community.”

Organizers hope the statewide day of service will spark additional literacy-focused partnerships and volunteer opportunities and serve as a foundation for expanding the initiative in communities across Illinois in the years ahead.