Read for a Lifetime: Another Illinois First
* 2009-2010 Read for a Lifetime Book List
Read for a Lifetime is sponsored by the Secretary of State and State Librarian and the Illinois State Library.
Did you know...
- Read for a Lifetime just concluded its 9th year
- 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, along with a discount coupon from Read for a Lifetime co-sponsor, Waldenbooks.
- During the first 9 years of the program over 11,000 students from more than 300 high schools and public libraries throughout Illinois have read more than 46,000 books.
- 101 seniors have received special recognition for having completed the program requirements during all four years of high school.
- For the first time last year, one gentleman not only completed the program all four years, he 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 Jeanne Urbanek at 217-524-0050 with questions.
Check the documents tab (above) for additional documents related to this program.
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