Reflecting on a Record-Breaking 2025
Joy for Books Board Member Dr. Janet Beason reads to a group of students. Their teacher applied for and received books.
As we wrap up 2025, the team at Joy for Books is taking a moment to breathe, look back, and celebrate. This year wasn’t just about growth; it was about the profound impact that happens when a child opens a book and finally sees a reflection of themselves in its pages.
Because of your unwavering support, 2025 has been our most meaningful year yet. Here is a look at the milestones we reached together.
2025: A Year of Impact by the Numbers
Our mission to advance literacy through culturally diverse children’s books reached new heights this year. From the desert of Arizona to the classrooms of Chicago, the demand for inclusive storytelling is stronger than ever.
75% Surge in Educator Interest: We saw a massive jump in applications from teachers and librarians, proving that educators are more committed than ever to bringing diverse perspectives into their classrooms.
The Power of Partnership: We are thrilled to announce a new programmatic partnership with The Library Project. By joining forces with an organization dedicated to building libraries in underserved rural and urban communities, we are ensuring that quality reading spaces and diverse books are accessible to children everywhere.
A Seat at the National Table: Joy for Books was honored with an invitation to the first annual National Convening on Children’s Racial Learning. This invitation-only event allowed us to contribute to the national dialogue on how children learn about race and the vital role literature plays in shaping that understanding.
Bringing Stories to Life
Impact isn't just measured in percentages—it’s measured in the smiles of students during storytime.
Read and Connect: Arizona
Our signature program returned to Arizona schools this year. Our trained volunteers didn’t just read; they delivered full classroom sets of culturally diverse books, ensuring the magic of the story stayed with the students long after the volunteers left.
Read and Explore: Chicago
In a special collaboration with NHS Chicago, we brought our financial literacy-focused program to Great Lakes Academy. Across six classrooms, volunteers shared diverse stories that introduced students to the building blocks of financial health. It was a powerful example of how literacy can empower children with real-world skills.
Building Community with Family Promise
We continued our work with Family Promise, supporting children and families experiencing homelessness. Beyond gifting books, our bookmark-making crafts provided a creative outlet and a sense of belonging for families during difficult transitions.
Looking Forward: The Chapter Ahead
As we turn the page to 2026, we aren't slowing down. Our goals for the coming year are clear: expand access to high-quality books, deepen our school and community roots, and ensure that every child—regardless of their background—can find themselves in a story.
Thank you for being the heartbeat of Joy for Books. We couldn’t do this without you.