There are programs and solutions that help with improving student literacy in Illinois and across the country. Illinois House Republicans are strong proponents of literacy, which includes sponsoring Summer Reading Programs. Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) has conducted a Summer Reading Club Program for eight consecutive years. The program is offered to encourage students in grades K-5 in House District 73 to read over the summer and promotes the lifelong benefits of literacy.
“Keeping the mind active through reading over summer break helps ensure students enter the next school year on the front foot,” Spain stated.
Spain’s reading program works with school districts and participation is encouraged and can overlap programs offered by area libraries. Students are given a deadline to read a certain number of books and receive recognition and a special prize from Rep. Spain.
Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) is also a huge proponent of Summer Reading Programs, and this past year his incentive for local first through fourth grade participants was hosting a pool party at the Mt. Vernon Aquatic Zoo. Severin promotes local libraries in his outreach and encourages students in the 116th District to read eight or more books over the summer.
“I love encouraging students to keep reading over their summer break and also giving them some incentive to do so,” Severin stated.
The State of Illinois has partnered with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which has grown into one of the largest literacy programs in the world. The program promotes childhood literacy and sends free books to children up to five years old regardless of family income. Since the partnership was announced in 2023, the program’s reach has continued to expand statewide.
The Imagination Library program is funded through support from the state, along with donations from local communities, individuals, and organizations. The program’s expansion continues, including areas in Chicago, southern Illinois, Fox Valley, Rock River Valley, and Logan County. For more information, go here; or to find a program in your area, visit here. Please note that donations continue to be accepted. The program has registered over 3 million children, with over 270 million books donated throughout the United States and other parts of the world.
House Republicans have launched the Literacy Improves Future Endeavors Working Group that is dedicated to improving literacy outcomes for students. Proposed legislation has focused on addressing literacy issues in schools, action on teacher shortages, and creating more transparency between parents and schools.