Literacy for Change Set for October 2
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2026
York County Libraries’ Big Day of Giving Set for October 2
YORK, PA – Literacy for Change, York County Libraries’ Big Day of Giving, is set for midnight to 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 2 at LiteracyForChange.org. The initiative aims to raise $350,000 to support the critical work of libraries, empower learners, and make a lasting impact across York County.
“The excitement for Literacy for Change is building,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “Amazingly, we have already surpassed the $200,000 mark, so we are a little over halfway to our goal. We are so grateful to everyone who is joining this community-powered movement to support lifelong learning for everyone.” According to Lambert, a gift of $15 from each adult cardholder or community member would assist York County Libraries in reaching their goal. It would help keep books, technology, programs, and trusted resources within reach of all.
On October 2, community members are invited to watch the Literacy for Change livestreams from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the York County Libraries YouTube channel and Facebook page. The livestreams will include featured guests, games, and fundraising updates throughout the day.
“Literacy for Change is gaining momentum, thanks to the generosity of our five partner foundations, eleven literacy leaders, and community members,” says Lambert. “In addition, we have media partners helping to spread the word, local businesses who are donating percent of sales, and library champions sharing the effort with family and friends. Collectively, they are moving us toward our goal of $350,000.”
Organizations supporting Literacy for Change 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 Advocates: Tom and Cindy Donley Family Fund, Mark, Tara, Christopher and Drew Kauffman; Literacy Booster: Wolfgang Confectioners; Literacy Supporters: Tony & Stef Campisi, 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. They include: Aldus Brewing Co., Britton Coffee Co – York, Moonlit Hollow Books at Sips Cafe – Downtown York and Manchester, Sips Cafe, Splitshift, Bound Books, 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, Gift Horse Brewing Company, and The Hive Coffee House & Cafe. The dates and details for the special fundraising days at these local businesses can be found online at literacyforchange.org.
For readers, YCL also has a community reading challenge underway with a collective reading goal of 350,000 minutes 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. Any questions about Literacy for Change can be sent to LiteracyForChange@yorklibraries.org.
York County Libraries strengthen the community and enrich individual lives. 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 2025, library members borrowed over 1.4 million print, digital, and other items. Countywide, residents used library Wi-Fi for over 167,000 sessions and went to over 4,000 library programs. 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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MEDIA CONTACT
Deb Sullivan
Community Relations Director
York County Libraries
dsullivan@yorklibraries.org