Fourth Annual ‘Everybody Reads’ Exceeds Goal

Published on April 03, 2025

The fourth annual Everybody Reads reported a total of 429,845 books read, exceeding its target of 350,000. This initiative, organized by the Sioux Falls School District and Siouxland Libraries, is a month-long community reading initiative that encourages people at local schools, libraries, and universities to read.

This year’s theme was “Reading is Sweet.” From March 1 to March 31, 2025, participants at schools within the Sioux Falls School District and the Tri-Valley School District, as well as at branch locations of Siouxland Libraries and the libraries of Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls, contributed a “gumball” to a gumball machine display for each book they completed. This method created a tangible representation of the community’s reading progress.

“Once again, our school district surpassed its reading goal—thanks to the enthusiastic readers in our schools and community,” Sioux Falls School District Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem said. “At the heart of this success were our school libraries and the dedicated librarians who brought the ‘Reading is Sweet’ theme to life with creativity and a true passion for literacy. From daily progress updates to engaging displays, they inspired students to embrace the joy of reading. We’re also grateful for our community partners and everyone who picked up a good book and joined the fun.”

Furthermore, this year’s initiative saw an expansion with the inclusion of Augustana University, the University of Sioux Falls, and Tri-Valley School, under the theme.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the overwhelming participation and enthusiasm demonstrated by our community,” Jodi Fick, Director of Siouxland Libraries, said. “The commitment of readers of all ages, alongside the support from our partners at the Sioux Falls School District, the Tri-Valley School District, Augustana Mikkelsen Library, and the University of Sioux Falls Norman B. Mears Library, has made this year’s initiative a significant accomplishment.”

The Everybody Reads initiative not only promotes a love for reading but also supports literacy efforts throughout the community. Sponsors Sora, Follett, and Bound to Stay Bound Books made a collective contribution of $1,700 to REACH Literacy, an organization focused on enhancing literacy within the Sioux Falls area. This donation will provide essential resources to facilitate access to reading for many individuals.

“The success of the fourth annual Everybody Reads initiative has invigorated the organizers, who are already preparing for next year’s event,” K–5 Program Team Lead Nicole Norton said. “The collaborative spirit and dedication to literacy present in the Sioux Falls community portend an even more promising future for the program.”

To learn more about Everybody Reads, visit sf.k12.sd.us/page/everybody-reads.