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Literacy for Change

YCL's 24-Hour Day of Giving

Literacy for Change is a bold, community-powered crowdfunding initiative to raise $500,000 annually to expand literacy access across York County.

Literacy is just the beginning. Change is the goal. Join us in building a stronger, more vibrant York County.

Your donation supports literacy

Literacy is the foundation of education, career success, and overall well-being. By ensuring access to books, learning tools, and essential resources, Literacy for Change:

  • Supports early childhood learning programs
  • Encourages career exploration
  • Enhances print and digital resources
  • Expands community access to technology
  • Facilitates lifelong learning

Today’s literacy extends beyond reading — it includes financial literacy, digital skills, and access to trusted health information. YCL empowers our communities with these skills.

Your donation ensures that every person in York County—regardless of age, income, or background—has access to books, knowledge, and learning opportunities.

FAQ's & Additional Resources

Literacies in Real Life | Read & Watch More

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Photo of Ricky Grey holding a Literacy for Change sign that reads "I give because Literacy strengthens our community."

Ricky Grey Shares His Story | Literacy for Change
Read the Blog

Photo of Jackie Summers holding a Literacy for Change sign that reads "I give because our libraries are essential to our community, offering gateways to knowledge and personal growth. They change lives for the better!"

Literacy for Change | Jackie Summers
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Dominic DelliCarpini - Literacy for Change
Read the Blog

Thank you to our Partners

Partner Foundations

five sponsor logos for literacy for change 2025 which include: Arthur J. & Lee R. Glatfelter Foundation, J. William Warehime Foundation, Powder Mill Foundation, and The Shipley Foundation, and the Kinsley Foundation

Media Partners

media-partner logos-literacy-for-change-2025_2

Literacy Heroes

sponsor logos for tier "literacy heroes" which includes Bold Creative Media and Tom and Cindy Donley Fund

Literacy Advocates

logos for the literacy advocate tier of sponsorship: includes C.H. Reed, Inc.

Literacy Supporters

logos for the literacy supporters tier of sponsorship: includes the M&T charitable foundation and Wecker's Flooring
  • "Our children are our greatest and most precious resource. When they succeed, York County succeeds."
    Robert F. Lambert
    President, York County Libraries
Literacy for Change

Benefiting all of York County

Each of our libraries is unique and tailored to local community needs. Literacy for Change supports our libraries by funding:

Did You Know?

Public funding covers only 70% of YCL’s operational costs. The remaining funds come from community donations, grants, and sponsorships. As state funding stagnates and operational costs rise, YCL relies on Literacy for Change to maintain free literacy programs for all.
Reality of Funding

How YOU can Support Literacy for Change

As a community member, you have the power to make a greater impact during our big day of giving! Check out three ways you can support Literacy for Change below:

Glatfelter Friends Group Photo
Tell your friends!

Become a Fundraiser

Commit to helping YCL raise awareness and money.

 

Set a personal goal and share your donation page with family and friends!

Learn More
Adult Woman Showing Tablet To Friends
Tag Us! #LiteracyforChange

Spread the Word

Post on social media and use our campaign hashtag #LiteracyforChange.

Follow us on Social Media
Presenting Sponsor Maple Press At 2024 Martin Library Block Party
Make it a team effort!

Encourage your employer or club to participate

Businesses, organizations, and groups can match employee contributions or make a collective donation.

Ask us about it!

Become a Fundraiser

Fundraisers will play a vital role in helping York County Libraries spread the word about Literacy for Change! Check out these additional resources for fundraisers & donors:

Create a Fundraising Page

Watch the step-by-step tutorial on the right or follow these steps to get started.

  • Go to LiteracyforChange.org and click the “Start a Fundraiser” button
  • Choose a Fundraising Option: Fundraise as a Team or an Individual
    • Team Fundraisers are a great way for groups of friends, coworkers, club members, and families to set a higher fundraising goal and support our mission
  • Create a new account or Log In to GiveLively
    • GiveLively is the secure technology that powers the fundraising platform.
  • After creating an account, follow the steps to finish setting up your fundraising page(s).

Watch our Tutorial

To learn more about becoming a Fundraiser, watch our full tutorial here. This video will equip you with the tools and knowledge to confidently start your fundraising journey.

Need help? Send an email to LiteracyforChange@yorklibraries.org

Download the Fundraiser Toolkit

2025 Winners Announced! | 24-Hour Prize Giveaway

We're giving away great prizes to our top Fundraisers throughout the day! Swipe through the gallery below to see what prizes are up for grabs!

The 2025 Winners were announced during our livestreams and through social media. Click here to see prize winners.
  • Two Literacy for Change 2025 morning prize bundles: "Sunrise Special" and "Page Turner"

    Sunrise Special contents: Starbucks Gift Basket – Starbucks cups, mugs, backpack, notebook, assorted treats, coffees & teas.
    Courtesy of Starbucks Coffee Company

    Page Turner contents: Baldacci Blue Basket – Copy of David Baldacci's Strangers in Time (not signed), scarf, YCL wine stopper, note cards, coin purse.
    Courtesy of York County Libraries & Deb Sullivan

    Winners announced in 8-10am livestream

  • Two Literacy for Change 2025 lunchtime prize bundles: "Bookmark Break" and "Hoagie Heaven"

    Bookmark Break contents: Cat & Book Lovers Goodie Basket – YCL cork tote, reading light, cat notebook, pencil pouch, activity pouch, “Cat’s Meow” plaque of Martin Library.
    Courtesy of York County Libraries & Deb Sullivan

    Hoagie Heaven contents: Hefty Lefty Gift Certificate & Decorative Plate – Plate with interchangeable holiday ribbon + $50 Hefty Lefty’s gift card.
    Courtesy of Hefty Lefty’s Hoagies & Grinders & Deb Sullivan

    Winners announced in 11am-1pm livestream

  • Two Literacy for Change 2025 afternoon prize bundles: "Mid-Afternoon Break" and "After School Special"

    Mid-Afternoon Break contents: Bound Books Basket – Mug & tea set, $50 Bound Books gift card, tote bag.
    Courtesy of Ellen Helfrick & Bound Books (York, PA)

    After School Special contents: Crock Pot & Kitchen Essentials Set – Crock pot, kitchen tools, decorative towels.
    Courtesy of Deb Sullivan

    Winners announced in 4-6pm livestream

  • Two Literacy for Change 2025 afternoon prize bundles: "Pit Stop" and "Tree Topper Award"

    Pit Stop contents: Wawa Gift Basket – Cooler, 2 coffee cups, t-shirt, product coupons.
    Courtesy of The Wawa Foundation

    Tree Topper Award contents: Handcrafted Wooden Christmas Trees (set of 3 - tallest is 32”)
    Courtesy of Creative Solutions Woodworking

    Winners announced in 4-6pm livestream

  • Two Literacy for Change 2025 evening prize bundles: "Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice" and "Game Night"

    Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice contents: Fall-Themed Basket – Wicker basket, $25 Visa card, Snoopy mug, décor pillow & plaque, fall treats.
    Courtesy of First Capital FCU

    Game Night contents: Chinese Checkers & Bowling Gift Certificate – Handcrafted game + Suburban Bowlerama gift card (1.5 hrs for 5 people).
    Courtesy of Chip Helfrick & Suburban Bowlerama

    Winners announced on 10pm Facebook Live

  • Two Literacy for Change 2025 morning prize bundles: "Grand Prize A" and "Grand Prize B"

    Grand Prize A contents: Charcuterie Board, $100 Weis Gift Card, copy of David Baldacci's Strangers in Time (not signed), & Longwood Gardens Tickets
    Courtesy of Weis Markets, Deb Sullivan, & Longwood Gardens

    Grand Prize B contents: The Appell Center Gift Certificate + Book & Library Keepsakes – Two show tickets (1 year valid) to The Appell Center, $50.00 gift certificate to Eichelberger Performing Arts Center, $50.00 Visa Gift Card, copy of David Baldacci's Strangers in Time (not signed), wine stopper, “Cat’s Meow” plaque.
    Courtesy of York County Libraries & Deb Sullivan

    Winners announced on 10/11 12:15am Facebook Live

Literacy is MORE than reading & writing

Your gift supports library programs and services that foster literacy at all levels:

  • Basic Literacy – Books and programs that help children, teens, and adults develop strong reading and writing skills.
  • Information Literacy – Digital literacy initiatives, technology access, and workshops on navigating reliable information sources.
  • Civic & Social Literacy – Resources on voting, democracy, and community engagement.
  • Health Literacy – Access to reliable health information, wellness resources, and educational workshops.
  • Financial Literacy – Budgeting tools, financial education, and workshops to promote financial independence.

The five literacies are championed by the Pennsylvania Library Association’s PA Forward® Star Program.

Learn more about the five core literacies

Frequently Asked Questions

You can donate securely online at LiteracyforChange.org using:

  • Credit/debit cards
  • ACH/bank transfers
  • Text to Give: Text L4C to 44-321
  • Apple Pay & Google Pay
  • PayPal & Venmo
Donate

Yes! Checks should be made payable to York County Libraries with “Literacy for Change” in the memo and mailed to 159 E Market Street, York, PA 17401. Cash should be brought to a library location in an envelope and given to the circulation desk.

Please write Literacy for Change on the outside of the envelope, and include your name, address and email so that we can properly acknowledge your gift.

Yes! The donation platform is mobile friendly.

Yes! You can choose to make a monthly contribution through our online donation platform.

Yes! Some donations will be matched by corporate sponsors. Visit LiteracyforChange.org for details.

Absolutely! Businesses and groups can:

  • Offer an employee matching gift
  • Make a direct contribution

Email literacyforchange@yorklibraries.org to discuss partnership opportunities.

Yes! York County Libraries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt for your contribution.

Email literacyforchange@yorklibraries.org for assistance.

Email literacyforchange@yorklibraries.org immediately for assistance.

We will provide real-time updates on our website and social media. Alternative donation options will be made available if needed.

For more details, email literacyforchange@yorklibraries.org or visit literacyforchange.org

Yes! We will share impact reports via email, social media, and our website so donors can see the direct impact of contributions.

Additional Resources & Information

Get Help

Watch a brief tutorial about Fundraising

Click the link below to watch our ten-minute tutorial about becoming a Fundraiser for Literacy for Change. This video will equip you with the tools and knowledge to confidently start your fundraising journey.

Watch the Tutorial

Download the Fundraiser Toolkit

Click here to download the Literacy for Change Fundraiser toolkit. Find templates for social media graphics, virtual meeting backgrounds, bookmarks, and more within the toolkit.

Download the Fundraiser Toolkit

Attend our Coffee Meetup & Happy Hours in October

Grab your friends and join us for one of our Pre-Give Day Events where you can purchase your favorite brew or beverage and order a bite to eat! Three generous venues are hosting YCL and Literacy Champions.

October 7: The Hive Coffee House & Cafe

October 7: South County Brewing Co.

October 8: Yorktowne Hotel

This is your opportunity to ask questions about Fundraising on October 10, socialize with other library lovers, complete our library trivia page, and get a selfie with the Literacy for Change Signpost! Win prizes and pick up some Literacy for Change giveaways.