In a move to further support global literacy efforts, the Library of Congress announced the winners of its 2024 Literacy Awards program, including two new prestigious prizes.
Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden praised the “exemplary, innovative and replicable strategies” of this year’s honorees, who are working to expand access to reading and inspire communities.
Quick Facts
- 24 organizations received awards, including 2 new $100,000 and $50,000 prizes
- LaundryCares Foundation, We Need Diverse Books, and Alsama Project received top honors
- The program is sponsored by David M. Rubenstein and the Kislak Family Foundation
Literacy Awards Recognize Global Initiatives
The Library of Congress Literacy Awards, now in their 12th year, spotlight promising initiatives that promote literacy around the world. This year’s program included two new additions: the Kislak Family Foundation Prize and the Emerging Strategies Awards.
“I am encouraged by the work that this year’s winners and honorees have accomplished in helping people of all ages not only learn to read in a primary or secondary language, but also in inspiring communities to enjoy the practice of reading,” said Dr. Hayden.
The $100,000 Kislak Family Foundation Prize went to Te Rūnanga Nui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori Inc. in New Zealand, which has revitalized Māori language education through its network of immersive schools.
Dr. Hayden praised the organization’s “outsized impact on literacy relative to its size.”
Top Prizes Awarded
The $150,000 David M. Rubenstein Prize was awarded to the LaundryCares Foundation, which transforms laundromats into early literacy hubs for underserved communities.
The $50,000 American Prize went to We Need Diverse Books, which increases representation in children’s literature, and the $50,000 International Prize was awarded to the Alsama Project in Lebanon, which provides education and empowerment to refugee youth.
2024 Library of Congress Literacy Awards Recipients
Award |
Recipient |
Location |
Prize Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| David M. Rubenstein Prize | LaundryCares Foundation | Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois | $150,000 |
| Kislak Family Foundation Prize | Te Rūnanga Nui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori Inc. | Ōtaki, New Zealand | $100,000 |
| American Prize | We Need Diverse Books | Bethesda, Maryland | $50,000 |
| International Prize | Alsama Project | Beirut, Lebanon | $50,000 |
| Successful Practices Honorees | 15 organizations | Various | $10,000 each |
| Emerging Strategies Honorees | 5 initiatives | Various | $5,000 each |
Expanding Access and Inspiring Communities
The Library of Congress Literacy Awards program aims to draw attention to the urgent need for universal literacy. This year’s expansion, made possible by the Kislak Family Foundation, allows the program to recognize a broader range of innovative strategies.
“The Library of Congress is excited to celebrate [the winners’] achievements and delighted to recognize their efforts to advance literacy around the world,” said Dr. Hayden.
In Conclusion
The 2024 Library of Congress Literacy Awards underscore the global commitment to improving literacy and promoting the joy of reading.
By spotlighting diverse, impactful initiatives, the program continues to inspire communities and drive progress towards universal access to education.
Sources: THX News & Library of Congress.
