On Friday, October 10, York County Libraries (YCL) is hosting Literacy for Change, an online community-powered crowdfunding initiative. YCL is rallying over 90,000 adult library cardholders and community champions to help raise $500,000 to support literacy and learning opportunities across York County. The 24-hour event starts at 12:00 a.m. and runs until 11:59 p.m. at LiteracyForChange.org.
“Literacy skills are essential to everyday life and encompass more than reading. Year-round, our libraries collectively provide over 4,000 programs to help children, teens, and adults build literacy skills that will serve them now, and in the future,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “Programs like our Youth Empowerment Summit help high school students prepare for life after graduation. Our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative helps children get ready for school. Resources and programs for adults expand financial, health, and other key literacy skills that empower informed decision-making.”
According to York County Libraries Interim Chief Advancement Officer Tara Kauffman, community members can learn more about Literacy for Change on the website, and at upcoming meetups on October 7 and 8. “Thanks to the generosity of three local venues, we are holding some fun events leading up to Literacy for Change day,” says Kauffman. “Everyone is invited. There will be trivia, prizes, giveaways, and selfies with the Literacy for Change Signpost. Plus, we’ll be there to answer questions for anyone interested in helping as fundraisers on October 10.”
During the coffee meetup and happy hours, food and beverages are available for purchase. The events will be held at the following locations:
Tuesday, October 7, 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
The Hive Coffee House and Cafe
3665 Bull Road, York, PA 17408
Tuesday, October 7, 4:00 p.m. - 6pm
South County Brewing Co. (Loft)
170 Crossway Drive, York, PA 17402
Wednesday, October 8, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Yorktowne Hotel (Graham Rooftop Lounge)
48 E Market St, York, PA 17401
In addition to the pre-events, York County Libraries will host livestreams on YouTube and Facebook on October 10 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. The livestreams will feature staff from libraries across the county, games, campaign progress and featured guests. Also, that afternoon at 1:00 p.m., bestselling author Kate Thompson is visiting via Zoom to talk about her novel “The Wartime Book Club.” This was arranged by one of our incredible fundraising teams, also called The Wartime Book Club; to bring readers together to explore the ways stories can inspire resilience and hope,” adds Kauffman. Space for the virtual author chat is limited to 100. Sign-up details can be found on the yorklibraries.org events calendar.
According to Lambert, many area organizations are helping YCL launch Literacy for Change. They include Partner Foundations: Arthur J. and Lee R. Glatfelter Foundation, J. William Warehime Foundation, Powder Mill Foundation, The Shipley Family Foundation; Literacy Heroes: Bold Creative Media, Tom and Cindy Donley Fund; Literacy Advocate: C. H. Reed, Inc.; Literacy Supporters: The M&T Charitable Foundation, Wecker's Flooring Center; and Media Partners: WPMT FOX43, Lamar Advertising, and WHTM abc27 – Your Local News Source.
YCL offers programs and resources that help community members build the five core literacies championed by the Pennsylvania Library Association PA Forward® program. They include basic literacy, information literacy, civic and social literacy, health literacy, and financial literacy. In 2024, library members borrowed over 1.4 million print, digital, and other items. Countywide, residents used library Wi-Fi over 172,000 times and 177 public access computers on more than 47,000 occasions. Program attendance reached nearly 101,300.
“When each individual learns, it has a ripple effect, strengthening the entire community. Together we can build a stronger, and even more vibrant York County,” says Lambert. “If every adult cardholder gives just $12, which equates to $1 a month, we will reach and exceed our goal.” Community members with questions about Literacy for Change are encouraged to email LiteracyForChange@yorklibraries.org.
York County Libraries (YCL) strengthen the York County community and enrich individual lives. YCL includes 13 libraries that provide the latest in print and digital information, bestsellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions, and over 50 databases. In addition to their extensive collection of 534,000 physical items, YCL offers over one million digital library materials for loan. All are available for free with a York County Libraries card. Community members without a card are invited to request one at yorklibraries.org at no cost.
