Our mission is to provide support and leadership to all who promote and teach lifelong literacy.

  

Welcome to the website of the Illinois Reading Council (IRC)!

IRC is one of the most vital literacy organizations in the nation and we hope that, if you are not a member, you will consider joining us.

Members of IRC receive our highly acclaimed IRC Journal and our monthly online IRC Communicator newsletter.  Both of these publications are packed with relevant and interesting articles. Members have access to empowering literacy webinars, are able to participate in inspiring online book clubs, and have an opportunity to attend one of the foremost literacy conferences in the country that IRC holds each year.  Members may also apply for one of several grants or awards in order to support their own literacy work. 

IRC supports our 32 local and special interest councils across Illinois that also provide a rich variety of resources and programs for educators.  IRC has many committees focusing on topics as varied as international projects, family literacy, educational media, and professional learning. Explore this website to learn more about IRC. 

If you have questions, reach out to us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 309-454-1341.  We look forward to partnering with you to promote lifelong literacy.

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IRC CONFERENCE
MARCH 12-13, 2026
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

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IRC Conference planned for March 12-13, 2026 in Springfield, Illinois!

Join literacy advocates, educators, and researchers who will gather from March 12-13, 2026 for the 57th Annual IRC Conference at the Bank of Springfield Center, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, and the Wyndham Hotel in Springfield, Illinois.  IRC is thrilled to learn from our diverse list of featured speakers who will help teachers, specialists, and administrators from every grade-level and content area.  Program Proposals to present at the conference are being accepted until September 1st.

Program Proposals to Present are being accepted until September 1st!

IRC PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING SERVICES

The Illinois Reading Council is a premier reading organization that offers Professional Learning and Development Consulting Services.  IRC PL&D Consulting Services offer custom programs, exceptional engaging speakers, timely topics, and informative programs to assist you and your school and district faculty in reaching all your educational goals. 

Bring IRC PL&D Consulting Services to Your School Today!

 

 

ILLINOIS READS  AT THE STATE FAIR FROM AUGUST 8-17, 2025

Come and meet the Illinois Reads Authors in the tent of Illinois Secretary of State and Honorary Chair of Illinois Reads, Alexi Giannoulias, at the 2025 Illinois State Fair! Don't miss this great opportunity planned for August 8-17, 2025.  For find out more, visit the Illinois Reads Website that will have the complete schedule of author appearances.

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IRC WEBINAR SERIES

IRC offers monthly webinars for members only.  Members can watch the live or recorded webinars to earn PD clock hours.  Mark your calendars to take part in this convenient, free membership benefit.

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PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PADLET

IRC Professional Learning Committee is working on a new resource bank of teaching and literacy tools to support the best practices in literacy learning.  Please take some time to check out this new and exciting resource.

Access IRC Professional Learning Padlet

 
FALL 2025 IRC BOOK CLUB

On October 19, 2025, members can join the online book discussions for The Anxious Generation book club, the Rebellion 1776 book club, and/or La Enseñanza en el Aula Bilingüe book club.

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DONATE TO THE IRC ANGEL FUND

The Angels Fund’s goal is to ensure that IRC continues to carry out its mission of providing support and leadership to all who promote and teach lifelong literacy.  Please consider becoming an Angels Fund Supporter today.

Donate Today!
 

Illinois Reads

Under the auspices of the Illinois Reading Council, Illinois Reads is a yearly statewide project to promote reading for all Illinois citizens.  Six books in six age bands from birth to adult are selected each year.  The work of the Illinois Authors is highlighted.  Order bookmarks and posters for your students today!

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IRC Professional Learning and Development Services

IRC PL&D offers a cadre of educators available for onsite training and custom literacy programs to assist you and your faculty reach all of your educational goals.

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IRC PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PADLET

IRC Professional Learning Padlet is provided by the IRC PL Committee to provide a resource bank of teaching and literacy tools to support the best practices in literacy learning.  Special thanks to the members and IRC councils that have shared these resources.

Access to IRC PLC Padlet
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