FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2026
York County Libraries Start the Countdown to Literacy for Change
Big Day of Giving Starts at Midnight Oct. 2
YORK, PA – York County Libraries (YCL) is starting the countdown to its Second Annual Literacy for Change Day of Giving on Friday, October 2 from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Literacy for Change is a community-powered movement to support libraries, empower learners and make a lasting impact across York County. Those interested in learning more or donating should go to LiteracyForChange.org.
“Library use continues to increase, while the pace of inflation exceeds the capacity of government support that currently rests at 70% of library funding,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “York County Libraries’ countywide programs and services including SummerQuest, inter-library delivery, computers and Wi-Fi, rely on both government and private support. Donations to Literacy for Change supports the critical work of our libraries.”
According to Lambert, York County’s 13 libraries loaned over 1.4 million items to community members last year. YCL’s delivery van drivers drove 200 miles a day between libraries, moving nearly 363,800 items, to ensure that requested books reached the cardholders who needed them. Use of YCL’s digital reading app, Libby, also continues to increase. A common misconception is that digital books cost less, but the reality for libraries is that they cost more. An average print book costs the library $20-$40, while an eBook license can cost over $60 per copy – and they expire.
Residents are realizing that they can access eBooks and eAudiobooks at the library, forgoing expensive subscriptions. In the current economic climate, community members are relying even more on libraries to help them access what they need.
“Our goal is to raise $350,000 to expand and enhance life-changing learning opportunities at our libraries. Literacy opens doors at every age: from a child’s first story to the digital skills, trusted information, and career resources adults rely on every day,” says Lambert. “We are inviting our 129,000 library cardholders and York County community members to support libraries now through our big day of giving on October 2. A gift of $15 from every adult would help our libraries to keep books, technology, programs, and trusted resources within reach for all.”
Many area organizations are generously supporting York County Libraries’ Literacy for Change initiative. They include Partner Foundations: Arthur J. and Lee R. Glatfelter Foundation, J. William Warehime Foundation, Powder Mill Foundation, The Kinsley Foundation, The Shipley Family Foundation; Media Partners: Lamar Advertising, WHTM abc27, WPMT FOX43, and WRCT; Literacy Hero: Glatfelter Insurance Group; Literacy Advocate: Mark, Tara, Christopher and Drew Kauffman; Literacy Boosters: Wolfgang Confectioners; Literacy Supporters: Compleat Restoration, Faithful Connections Electric, Hanover Auto Team, Jack Giambalvo Family of Dealerships, North Metal & Chemical Co., Trish Howser State Farm Insurance and Wecker’s Flooring Center.
In addition, multiple area businesses are helping to support literacy, learning, and opportunity throughout York County by donating a portion of sales at varying times throughout September and early October. “Aldus Brewing Co. created a new beer for the occasion called ‘Library Lover’s Lager,’” says York County Libraries Chief Advancement Officer Tara Kauffman. “From September 1 – October 2, every time a customer orders this draft at Dolphin & Anchor Brew Pub by Aldus Brewing Co. in Hanover, a $1 will be donated to Literacy for Change. We’ve never had a library lager before. We are very excited!”
According to Kauffman, community members can also grab a “Literacy Latte” at Britton Coffee Co – York during the entire month of September, or a “Once Upon a Latte” at The Hive Coffee House and Cafe on September 18. Readers can also support Literacy for Change when they purchase a book at Moonlit Hollow Books at Sips Cafe – Downtown York any time in September.
Other businesses joining the fundraising effort include: Splitshift, Auggie’s Shine Master LLC, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard – East York, Jacquelyn’s Bakeshop & Cafe, The Hot Dog Cart by Stage Deli, Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery – West York, and Sign of the Horse in York, Hanover, and Red Lion. The dates and details for the special fundraising days at these local businesses can be found online at literacyforchange.org.
YCL staff members have also planned a community reading challenge, encouraging everyone to read 350,000 minutes together to match the fundraising dollar goal for Literacy for Change. Details are on the website. Fun activities, information, and promotional items are also available at all 13 library locations. Community members with questions about Literacy for Change should email LiteracyForChange@yorklibraries.org or call Tara Kauffman at (717) 849-6927
York County Libraries strengthen the community and enrich individual lives. YCL’s programs and services help community members build the five core literacies championed by the Pennsylvania Library Association PA Forward® program. Thirteen library locations provide the latest in print and digital information, bestsellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions, and databases. To get a library card, and for more information about services, library hours, and locations, go to yorklibraries.org.
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YCL Service at a Glance:
In 2025, York County Libraries served as essential community hubs, connecting residents with resources.
- 616,150 people visited York County Libraries
- Cardholders borrowed 1.4 million items
- Over 100,000 children, teens & adults attended over 4000 library programs
- Community members used library Wi-Fi 167,000 sessions
- Library cardholders collectively saved $29 Million by borrowing library items in 2025
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If you go:
Many area businesses are supporting Literacy for Change by donating a portion of sales at varying times throughout September and early October. They include:
Tuesday, September 1 – Friday, October 2
Dolphin & Anchor Brew Pub by Aldus Brewing Co.
13 Center Square, Hanover
The Dolphin & Anchor Brew Pub by Aldus Brewing Co is introducing a new brew, the “Library Lover’s Lager,” in support of Literacy for Change. From September 1 through October 2, they will donate $1 for each draft of the lager sold.
Tuesday, September 1 – Wednesday, September 30
Britton Coffee Co – York
1125 Edgar Street, York
Britton Coffee Co is serving a “Literacy Latte” in September with a percentage of sales going to Literacy for Change.
Tuesday, September 1 – Wednesday, September 30
Moonlit Hollow Books at Sips Cafe – Downtown York
9 West Philadelphia Street, York
Moonlit Hollow Books is donating $1 for each book sold at their self-serve bookshop inside Sips Cafe – Downtown York during the entire month of September.
Friday, September 4, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Splitshift
33-35 W Market St, York
Splitshift is donating a percentage of proceeds to Literacy for Change for each cheesesteak purchased on September 4.
Saturday, September 5, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Auggie’s Shine Master LLC
Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock
32 Main Street, Glen Rock,
Getting a car wash at the library by Auggie’s Shine Master LLC supports Literacy for Change; 100% of sales will be donated.
Wednesday, September 9, 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard – East York
3000 E. Market Street, York
Rita’s of York is donating a percentage of their sales to Literacy for Change on September 9.
Saturday, September 12, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Jacquelyn’s Bakeshop & Cafe
1785 Baltimore Pike, Suite B, Hanover
Purchases made at Jacquelyn’s Bakeshop & Cafe will support Literacy for Change; a percentage of sales will be donated.
Friday, September 18, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Hive Coffee House and Cafe
3665 Bull Road, York
A percent of sales will be donated when customers order the book-themed drink “Once Upon a Latte” at The Hive Coffee House and Cafe.
Saturday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Auggie’s Shine Master LLC
Collinsville Community Library
2632 Delta Road, Brogue
Getting a car wash at the library by Auggie’s Shine Master LLC supports Literacy for Change; 100% of sales will be donated.
Wednesday, September 23 & Thursday, September 24, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Hot Dog Cart by Stage Deli
Continental Square, 1 E. Market Street, York
Stage Deli will donate $1 for each hot dog sold at the Hot Dog Cart on Continental Square. *In case of rain, new dates will be announced.
Thursday, September 24, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery – West York
2159 White Street, Suite 101, York
Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery – West York will donate a percentage of sales including dine-in, take-out, gift cards, and catering when using code “fundraiser” for online orders or by letting team member know when ordering.
Monday, September 28, 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sign of the Horse – York
3605 E Market St, York
Sign of the Horse – York will donate a percentage of sales on September 28 to Literacy for Change.
Monday, September 28, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sign of the Horse – Hanover
1015 Baltimore St, Hanover
Sign of the Horse – Hanover will donate a percentage of sales on September 28. Trivia enthusiasts
are invited to form a team and test their knowledge of books to movies at that evening’s game.
Monday, September 28, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sign of the Horse – Red Lion
16 N Main St., Red Lion
Sign of the Horse – Red Lion is donating percentage of sales on September 28 to Literacy for Change
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