Welcome to ILLINOIS READS,

an exciting initiative from

the Illinois Reading Council, which aims to promote literacy across the state of Illinois.

Greetings, Reading is a gift that provides endless enjoyment and sets young readers on the path to lifelong learning. In an effort to highlight the importance of reading at all ages and to support Illinois authors, the Illinois Reading Council is excited to share the annual “Illinois Reads” Program.
 “Illinois Reads” was introduced by the Illinois Reading Council in March 2013. The initiative encourages people to read books by Illinois authors. Each year, the program offers a new list of six books in six different age levels. “Illinois Reads” kicks off in March at the annual IRC Conference, highlighted in April at the Book Festival , and concludes in November with “Family Reading Night,” an annual statewide event sponsored by the Illinois State Library. The Illinois Reading Council is honored to have the Illinois Secretary of State and the State Librarian, Alexi Giannoulias, serve as the Honorary Chair for the Illinois Reads Program. With his support for promoting literacy at all stages of life, we are both looking forward to celebrating "Family Reading Nights" with readers throughout the year.
The Illinois Reading Council would like to encourage everyone to get involved by becoming an Illinois Reads Ambassador, hosting or participating in a Family Reading Night program, attending an “Illinois Reads” author event, and/or reading from the rich list of titles.
Thank you again for taking part in this meaningful program.
Happy Reading from the Illinois Reading Council

Books Selected for 2026

Click on the below agebands to find out more about each of the 36 Illinois Reads books!

ILLINOIS READS NEWS

Click below to find out more information or download the PDFs!
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1100 Beech ST, Building 8-2 Normal, IL 61761