Now in its 34th year, the Buck A Book® Reading program inspires students to embrace reading while raising critical funds for literacy initiatives. For two weeks in January, over 1,400 York County students read 8,974 books and, together with our sponsors, raised over $90,000 to support adult literacy education in York County!

This year’s participants shared what makes the reading program meaningful to them, highlighting both a love of books and a desire to help their communities.

Many families noted the program’s motivating effect. One parent said, “Our kindergartener thrives with external motivation to read—the more she earns, the more excited she is!” Students also expressed a love for reading and helping others. A third-grader shared, “I love to read and want to help others enjoy reading!”

Program incentives, such as prizes and tickets to local, family-friendly experiences, attract many. One parent shared, “My son is excited about reading, and the prizes are fun activities we can do.” Another mentioned, “My second-grader really wants to win the Hershey Park tickets.” Such rewards motivate students to set and achieve reading goals.

For some, Buck A Book is about more than just prizes. “Help me help others with Literacy! This will help adults who need assistance with reading, and I will get more practice reading too!” shared one student, reflecting the program’s wider impact on the community.

Beyond these participant comments, numerous students and families mentioned reading as a family, expanding their reading horizons, and working toward personal milestones—such as learning new words, tackling chapter books, or reading about favorite topics like dinosaurs, Minecraft, or Dog Man. Many highlighted the dual benefit: improving their own reading skills while raising money for literacy programs that help others.

There are five levels of prizes to earn and student participants will receive their prizes in April. Prize coupons are donated by local businesses, including: McDonald’s, Texas Roadhouse, York Ice Arena, Hickory Falls, York County Parks, Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market, and Turkey Hill Experience. In addition, all participants are entered into a random drawing to win two BMX bikes donated by Doceo.

Buck A Book 2026 will wrap up on June 6 with a celebration event at a York Revolution baseball game. To see more, visit www.BuckABook.org