The mission of the Illinois Reading Council is to provide support and leadership to educators as they promote and teach lifelong literacy.

The Vision of the Illinois Reading Council

The Illinois Reading Council advocates quality literacy opportunities for all learners and serves as a primary organization that provides educators at all levels access to research, materials, and methodologies to promote and teach lifelong literacy and learning.  Support of an active, well-organized system of local and special interest council and state committees provides a viable network for communication, exchange of information, and grass roots involvement of a diverse membership.  The IRC's publications, special projects, conferences, and workshops stimulate personal and professional growth of educators. 

What is the Illinois Reading Council?

The Illinois Reading Council (IRC) is a non-profit professional organization whose members promote reading and literacy for people of all ages. It has 27 local councils in communities in Illinois and 5 special interest statewide councils. There are over 6,000 members in Illinois working to further literacy goals. The Illinois Reading Council is the state affiliate of the International Reading Association (IRA).

Purposes of the Illinois Reading Council:

• To improve the quality of reading instruction at all levels
  
  
• To provide a local and statewide network of teachers and administrators associated with literacy issues
  
  
• To support the activities of the local reading councils and provide a concentrated focus about literacy issues
  
  
• To sponsor conferences and meetings to implement the purposes of the council
  
  
• To stimulate and promote literacy research
  
  
• To disseminate knowledge helpful in the solution of problems related to reading
  
  
• To recognize and honor outstanding educators, authors, journalists, and others for significant contributions to reading and language arts
  
  
• To further all purposes of the International Reading Association

What does your membership include?

The Illinois Reading Council publishes four quarterly newsletters and journals. These publications provide members with current news, events and research. Each member may join a local council of their choice. The price of joining the local council is included in the $40 fee. Every local council operates differently to meet the needs of their area. Most councils hold local events such as speakers or Family Reading Nights at their libraries. The Illinois Reading Council also holds a statewide annual conference each year in March. This event is held in Springfield and features many popular authors, exhibitors, and the opportunity to network with friends and colleagues from all over the state.