Olympia, WA — 2026 marks a major milestone for the South Sound Reading Foundation as the organization celebrates 25 years of igniting a love of reading across the South Sound region. Throughout this anniversary year, the Foundation will honor its history, celebrate its impact, and invite the community to help write the next chapter.
Since its founding in 2001, the Foundation has provided free books and literacy programming to children and families who need them most. This spring, the organization will give away its 1,000,000th book—a powerful symbol of 25 years of partnership, generosity, and belief in the life-changing power of literacy.
Night of the Millionth Book – April 3, 2026
The organization will celebrate this milestone at the Hands On Children’s Museum on the First Friday (April 3rd from 5-7pm) where they are always set up to give away free books during the Museum’s Reduced Admission evenings. Since the Reading Foundation’s earliest days, the Hands On Children’s Museum has been a valued partner, generously hosting its book giveaways for local families.
The Night of the Millionth Book will see their usual space at the Museum transformed into a starry, magical adventure with cozy ‘Reading Under the Stars’, a crafty bookworm activity, fun raffle drawing, goodie bags, and the exciting moments when they give away their millionth book.
“This milestone belongs to our entire community,” said Executive Director Jennifer Williamson-Forster. “Every volunteer, donor, educator, and partner has helped put a book into a child’s hands. Reaching one million books is extraordinary—but we’re just getting started.”