Reading is a foundational skill necessary for virtually everything we do. It opens possibilities for all children to succeed—to learn and grow, to explore and imagine, to investigate and verify, and to lead fulfilling lives. When children see themselves in books, they feel seen, welcomed and loved. When children are introduced to others in books, they experience the wonder of new ideas. Books bring joy—and they really do open the world. That’s why as others are banning books and denigrating educators, AFT is continuing our efforts to create a nation of joyful and confident readers.

In 2022, we distributed more than 1 million free books to educators, students and their families to promote the joy of reading. We held more than 200 events in 28 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico at schools, community centers, faith-based organizations and union halls. At each event, children, their families and their teachers were able to choose books from diverse titles for kids of all ages—for their classrooms and home libraries. Now we are taking that initial literacy effort to the next level.

And because reading is so foundational to everything we do, we’re planning to distribute another million books in 2023! This time our goal is to do our part to create a nation of confident and joyful readers!

Join us! Donate now and help us continue to spread the joy of reading to students, families, educators and school staff in communities across the country in 2023.

Just $5 can purchase a book like Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson or $50 can provide a ten-book collection of bilingual math and science mysteries through our partner First Book.

You can use this link to make contributions at any time. Options are for credit or debit card or ACH payments via your checking account.

Donate Online

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If you prefer to mail a check, make it out to Reading Opens the World and mail to: Reading Opens the World; 555 New Jersey Ave. N.W., Washington DC 20001. Please note: Put in "Reading Opens the World" on the memo line. Checks received in the mail will be deposited electronically to your bank so you may see a debit on your account rather than a check deposited through your bank.