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Literacy for Change

YCL's Big Day of Giving: October 2, 2026

Literacy for Change is a bold, community-powered crowdfunding initiative to raise $350,000 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.

Making a Real-Life Impact

The library helps people every day. Whether you're here to find your next great read, spend time as a family, access the internet, or cool off from the heat, the library is here to provide. Watch the videos below to hear stories from community members around the county.

Want to get involved? Help us spread the word about Literacy for Change!

Learn More

The Reality of Library Funding

MYTH

Libraries in Pennsylvania are fully funded by federal, state and local taxes.

FACT

Public funding covers only 70% of York County Libraries’ operational costs. While we receive a small portion of federal funds, the majority of public funding comes from state and local government.

Even then, Pennsylvania is ranked 41st out of 50 states in library funding. It is in last place among all northeast US states.

MYTH

The library receives more funding when people use its services frequently.

FACT

Library funding is not directly tied to its usage.

Libraries are often included in state, county, or local/municipality budgets. However, this funding is typically set at a fixed amount, which means it is not guaranteed to increase even when they have consistently high usage.

MYTH

Each year, state funding for public libraries increases to keep pace with inflation.

FACT

Not true! PA state funding for public libraries has not kept pace with inflation for over two decades.

  • In 2001, the state allocated over $94 million to public libraries. For comparison, that’s the equivalent of ~$177 million dollars in 2026.
  • In 2025, PA libraries received $78.7 million. That’s less than HALF of what it was in 2001.
MYTH

Libraries that charge members a late fee can use those funds toward their annual operating costs.

FACT

Late & lost fees cover less than half a percent (>0.05%) of the library’s annual budget.

$29 Million

Worth of materials loaned

1.4 Million

Items borrowed (physical & digital)

100,000+

Kids, teens, and adults attended library programs

616,150

People visited our libraries

363,798

Items moved through our delivery vans

167,000+

WiFi sessions provided

Libraries Matter More than Ever

While the public funding for libraries has gone down over time, the usage of them has done the opposite. In 2025, our library members have continued to support the library and utilize their services, as seen in these stats.

Many of these countywide programs and services, such as SummerQuest, inter-library delivery, computers/printers, and WiFi, rely on both public and private support to continue to grow and flourish.

Every Gift Helps

Whether you contribute $5, $15, or $1,500, every donation supports literacy in York County.

$20

Buys a children's book for one of our libraries' collections

Did you know that eAudiobooks typically cost the library between $50-$100 per book? Plus, these books often need to be repurchased after a certain number of checkouts.

$50

Provides access to a digital eAudiobook on Libby

$500

Provides four children's programs tailored to sensory needs

Special guests and performers will visit all 13 libraries in one summer! These programs often align with the SummerQuest theme and are some of our most popular programs each year.

$1,000

Brings SummerQuest educational programs to life across York County

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Literacy: It's MORE than reading & writing

We often associate literacy with reading and writing skills. In reality, literacy – and all its forms – is an integral part of life from birth and beyond.

The Pennsylvania Library Association’s PA Forward® Star Program defines five forms of essential literacy. Libraries across the state use these literacies to guide the programs, services, and support they offer to the community.

Watch this short 2-minute video about the five literacies, as explained by York County Libraries’ President, Robert F. Lambert.

More about the Five Literacies

Basic Literacy is the foundational literacy that builds skills and competency in reading, writing, math, and supports overall life-skill development.

More about Basic Literacy

Information Literacy is defined as: “Having the ability to express, connect with and understand knowledge and communication through comprehensive and innovative formats; the ability to distinguish between credible and non-credible sources; recognizing when information is needed to further oneself, an objective or a project.”

In a time when misinformation spreads quickly and artificial intelligence is everywhere, this literacy skill is essential for navigating the 21st century world.

 

More about Information Literacy

Civic & Social Literacy is defined as: “Engaging in discourse while remaining respectful of other individuals of varying opinions; understanding the importance of community engagement which allows individuals to interact with one another, in a participatory manner; invoking societal change.”

At our libraries, most programs and events play a huge role in supporting this literacy. This can be seen in programs such as:

  • Book discussion clubs
  • Craft groups
  • Panels and forums
  • And all other group-based events!
More about Civic & Social Literacy

Health Literacy is defined as: “Having the ability to make informed decisions in relation to an individual’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health; Also applies to caregivers understanding the health information of a loved one.”

 

More about Health Literacy

Financial Literacy is defined as: “Having the knowledge and understanding necessary to make informed fiscal/economic decisions for personal life planning and business interests including responsible budgeting, spending and saving skills.”

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 Library Champion

Commit to helping YCL raise awareness and money.

 

Set a personal goal, tell your library story, and share your donation page with family and friends!

Get Started
Adult Woman Showing Tablet To Friends
Tag Us! #LiteracyforChange

Amplify our Message

Like and share posts from YCL Facebook & Instagram! 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!

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! 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.

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.

Foundation Partners

arthur j lee r glatfelter foundation transparent logo
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shipley family foundation logo
j william warehime foundation transparent logo Opens in new window

Media Partners

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We're here to help! Contact Us

Have a question? Send us an email or call YCL's Chief Advancement Officer, Tara Kauffman, at 717-849-6927.
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