York County Libraries is setting the stage for something new: Literacy for Change, its first-ever 24-hour online fundraising campaign. The countywide initiative will kick off at midnight on Friday, Oct. 10, and will run until 11:59 p.m., raising support for literacy and learning programs throughout York County.

York County Libraries president Robert F. Lambert emphasized that literacy is the cornerstone of opportunity. "Knowledge is truly transformative," he said. "It empowers growth, change and success in individual lives and strengthens the entire community. Our libraries provide equitable access to collections, resources and programs at no cost to users. Everyone can learn, grow and excel."

Every day, York County Libraries helps residents strengthen the five literacies promoted by the Pennsylvania Library Association's PA Forward program: basic, information, civic and social, health and financial literacy. In 2024 alone, the system offered more than 4,000 programs, serving over 101,000 children, teens and adults. Library users borrowed 1.4 million items and logged more than 172,000 Wi-Fi sessions, while public access computers were used on more than 47,000 occasions.

"We are rallying our community through this new crowdfunding initiative," Lambert stated. "Our goal is bold: $500,000 each year, mostly from modest contributions. Just a $12 donation helps to place new books in the hands of a student who needs to believe in their potential or provide digital access to a job seeker wanting to rejoin the workforce."

To reach that goal, York County Libraries is calling on its 90,000 cardholders and community champions to step up, whether by donating, becoming a fundraiser, encouraging employer matches or simply spreading the word.

"We are very appreciative of our Foundation Partners, The Arthur J. and Lee R. Glatfelter Foundation and the J. William Warehime Foundation; our Literacy Booster, The M&T Charitable Foundation; and our Media Partners, WPMT FOX43, Lamar Advertising and WHTM abc27 for helping us to launch this inaugural Literacy for Change," Lambert added.

York County Libraries enrich lives and strengthen communities through 13 locations. From story times and book clubs to Wi-Fi and digital access, the library system offers more than 534,000 physical items and over 1 million digital resources, all free with a library card. Community members without a library card are encouraged to request one at http://www.yorklibraries.org at no cost.

To participate in Literacy for Change or learn more about the initiative, visit http://www.literacyforchange.org. For more information, email LiteracyForChange@yorklibraries.org.