For Immediate Release – May 18, 2026
Contact: Ana Larson, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, 715-421-0390
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI – Help United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties fight the “summer slide” by attending the 15th annual Great Book Giveaway from June 8-16, 2026!
Volunteers will be reading to children at each location for approximately half an hour. Afterwards, each child can select FREE books to take home and keep. The books were collected during a community book drive.
All children, parents, grandparents, caregivers, and day care providers are invited to attend this free event.
2026 Great Book Giveaway Schedule:
Monday, June 8 – Port Edwards Middle/High School 10:00 am
Tuesday, June 9 – Charles & JoAnn Lester Public Library - Nekoosa 11:00 am
Wednesday, June 10 – Building Blocks Learning Center 9:00 am
Wednesday, June 10 – Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo 12:00 pm
Wednesday, June 10 – THINK Academy 2:00 pm
Friday, June 12 – SWC YMCA, Wisconsin Rapids 10:00 am
Friday, June 12 – Adams County Library 1:00 pm
Monday, June 15 – Lester Public Library of Rome 10:00 am
Monday, June 15 – McMillan Memorial Library 1:00 pm
Tuesday, June 16 – Lester Public Library of Vesper 12:30 pm
The purpose of the Great Book Giveaway is to give kids their own books to read and enjoy during the summer months. Kids who read in the summer are less likely to fall behind when the new school year begins.
In the event of rain, the Great Book Giveaway will be moved indoors to a backup location. For more information, visit our website at uwswac.org or call the United Way office at 715-421-0390.