Students who complete their local library’s summer reading program could win a chance to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field in September. A new statewide youth literacy challenge will honor 20 school‑aged readers who enroll in and complete their public library’s summer reading goals at the Sept. 16 Cubs game.
Illinois Reads Together Initiative
The Illinois Reads Together initiative, launched by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, the Illinois Literacy Foundation, and the Chicago Cubs, aims to combat learning losses that many students experience during summer break by encouraging summer reading.
“Reading opens up doors for young people, but too many students miss out on valuable learning opportunities over the summer months,” Giannoulias said. “Illinois Reads Together is a fun way to keep kids engaged while supporting the outstanding summer reading programs already offered by public libraries across our state.”
The Chicago Public Library offers summer reading challenges for kids and teens who want the chance to enter. Chicago students can join by visiting a Chicago Public Library branch or completing the library’s online forms.
Students 13 and younger complete the library’s summer reading program when they’ve read for at least 25 days, including listening to a story, and done five activities like attending a library event, creating art, or writing a story.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
