A city that reads together grows together. That’s the purpose behind the Cleveland Reads Citywide Reading Challenge.

The goal is for the entire city to collectively read 1 million books and/or read for 1 million minutes in 2023. Sign up online at clevelandreads.com and use the website throughout the year to log books and the minutes spent reading. Readers can win prizes and receive a lifetime of positive results.

Registration is open for the Cleveland Reads Kickoff Celebration to be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 from noon – 3 p.m. at Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Avenue East in downtown Cleveland. Everyone is invited to come for free books, reading resources, entertainment, fun family activities and more!

Transportation to Public Auditorium will be provided to and from five Cleveland Public Library locations: Carnegie West, Glenville, Hough, Rice and Rockport. Buses will depart from the branches at 11:30 a.m. and return all riders to their pickup location by 3:30 p.m.

“Reading is a passion of mine, and it’s helped guide me through various stages of life. Books have influenced me emotionally, spiritually and professionally, and I hope Cleveland Reads brings that same love to all Clevelanders,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. “Boosting literacy is one way to improve outcomes in our community – from academic success to workforce development.”

The Mayor’s Office, Cleveland Public Library, Cleveland Teachers Union, Cleveland Metropolitan School District and nearly 30 community organizations are working together to encourage reading and boost literacy levels in the city. According to a 2009 study by Case Western Reserve University, 69 percent of adults read at or below seventh grade level. A 2018 Seeds of Literacy study found 66 percent of Cleveland adults are functionally illiterate.

The Cleveland Reads Kickoff Celebration will feature a live reading and book signing by children’s author Kelly Starling Lyons, who wrote the Ty’s Travels series, Tiara’s Hat Parade, and Going Down Home with Daddy. Twinsburg’s 8-year-old Lil Dee, who created Our Brown Boy Joy to combat racial tension and drive positive social change, will be present to inspire children.

The Cleveland Teachers Union and American Federation of Teachers have donated 40,000 books that will be distributed at the Cleveland Reads Kickoff Celebration. There also will be a chance to win a Nintendo Switch with a one-year game subscription, Beats wireless earbuds, Southwest Airlines gift cards and other prizes.

The RTA Community Immunity Bus will stop at Public Auditorium for the Cleveland Reads Kickoff. Cleveland Department of Public Health medical staff will provide free Pfizer and Moderna vaccination and booster shots to adults and children. A parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone younger than 18 to receive the vaccine or booster shot.

To support the Cleveland Reads challenge with financial or in-kind contributions, call Gio Gravino at (216) 902-4925 or email foundation@cpl.org.