Everybody Reads Program Returns March 1
Published on February 25, 2026
Siouxland Libraries, in conjunction with the Sioux Falls School District, Augustana University’s Mikkelsen Library, and the University of Sioux Falls’ Norman B. Mears Library, will launch its annual Everybody Reads program March 1 through 31. The initiative encourages the community to achieve a collective goal of reading 500,000 books.
The effort — in partnership with Tri-Valley School District, Sylvan Learning, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Community Library — aims to raise funds to support Reach Literacy’s ongoing work assisting youth and adults with literacy skills.
“Working together with these incredible partners allows us to strengthen the impact of literacy in our community,” said Alysia Boysen, director of Siouxland Libraries. “When children master reading, they open a world of possibilities. They move from learning to read to reading to learn. We’re working together to make sure every child in our community reaches that point with confidence and excitement.”
Reach Literacy is a local nonprofit that provides literacy instruction and meaningful reading experiences for adult and youth learners each year.
If the collective goal of reading 500,000 books in March is met, sponsorship contributions collected by the Sioux Falls School District will be distributed to the nonprofit. Financial support from the Everybody Reads program helps Reach Literacy continue its work by providing vital literacy instruction in addition to offering discounted books to the community.
In 2025, the community read nearly 430,000 books during the monthlong program, surpassing its goal of 350,000.
“When we come together as a community to promote reading, we’re not just counting books – we’re building confidence, skills, and brighter futures,” said Molly O’Connor, executive director of Reach Literacy. “Everybody Reads helps ensure that every learner has the support they need to succeed.”
All age groups are encouraged to participate in the program in 2026, now in its fifth year. Community members can join by checking out books from a participating library and reporting the book they read to a library staff member to add to the count.
“Reading is something everyone can enjoy, no matter their age, and reading for just 20 minutes a day builds vocabulary, comprehension, and background knowledge,” said Leah Tanis, supervising librarian at Siouxland Libraries. “We want families, students, and older adults alike to join in and help us reach this year’s goal together.”
This year’s theme, “Tails on the Trails,” invites readers to explore South Dakota by adding a trail marker to displays at participating libraries for each book they read. Siouxland Libraries branches will feature a South Dakota state outline as part of their display, including photos of South Dakota landmarks and animal prints.
Follow Siouxland Libraries on social media and share your reading moments using #EverybodyReads.To learn more about Everybody Reads 2026, visit siouxlandlib.org/everybody-reads