Illinois State Library

READ FOR A LIFETIME

INFORMATION  |  SCHOOL/LIBRARY PARTICIPATION FORM  |  LIST  |  STUDENT PARTICIPATION FORM  |  
FINAL REPORTING FORM  |  KEY POINTS

Welcome to Read for a Lifetime, a program sponsored by the Secretary of State and State Librarian and the Illinois State Library.

INFORMATION

Read for a Lifetime is the first statewide reading program to target high school students.

The primary goal of the program is to promote the enjoyment of reading, by encouraging students to read both classic and contemporary literature, and rewarding them for their effort.

Hopefully, by participating in Read for a Lifetime, students will develop a love of books and reading that will last a lifetime.

Illinois high schools participating in the program receive a list of 25 book titles. The list represents a mixture of classic and contemporary literature.

Some English honors classes, gifted classes, reluctant readers and children with learning disabilities use the list annually.

Each student who reads at least four titles from the list during the school year receives a certificate of achievement sign by Secretary of State Jesse White.

During the first 10 years of the program 12,150 students from more than 500 high schools and public libraries throughout Illinois have read more than 51,926 books.

174 high school seniors have received special recognition for having completed the program requirements during all four years of high school.

To date, one student completed the program all four years, and read all 25 books - all four years.

Although the program started out being run by High School personnel, over the years, many Public Libraries have resumed the responsibility, so join the fun!

Feel free to call with questions - Jeanne Urbanek - 217-524-0050.

Or email jurbanek at ilsos.net