For Immediate Release – June 23, 2026
Contact: Anastasia Larson, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, 715-421-0390
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI – United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties hosted its 17th annual Great Book Giveaway from June 8-16, 2026. The annual event encourages children to continue reading during their time away from school, helping prevent the summer slide where students fall behind before the new school year begins.
From Adams to Vesper, volunteers visited nine locations to read their favorite books to the children. Following story time, each child selected free books to take home and keep for their personal collections. These books are available thanks to community book drives and generous sponsorships from local groups. Thanks to this incredible community support, United Way distributed 904 books to 276 children.
United Way would like to thank all the volunteer readers and host locations that made this event possible. Watch for announcements next spring on locations and dates for next year’s Great Book Giveaway in June 2027!
Children were able to choose books to take home during the 2026 Great Book Giveaway.