Encouraging Summer Reading through 12,000 Lit Summer Bags
For the sixth consecutive summer, we are helping thousands of children stay engaged in reading by distributing 12,000 Lit Summer Bags to families across Memphis and Shelby County.
Originally launched in 2020, the Lit Bag program has grown into one of Literacy Mid-South's signature community literacy programs. Today, it is a key part of our literacy Everywhere strategy, bringing books and literacy-rich experiences directly into neighborhoods, community centers, summer programs, and other trusted spaces where families already gather.
Each Lit Summer Bag includes:
New, culturally relevant books
Family literacy activities
Social-emotional learning resources
Community information and tools that encourage reading beyond the classroom
This summer, we distributed 6,000 Lit Summer Bags through 34 community organizations at 92 locations across Memphis and Shelby County. In July, another 6,000 bags will reach families through 30 partner organizations at 84 additional locations. Each month's distribution features different books, activities, and resources, giving children fresh opportunities to discover new stories throughout the summer.
This year's bags were created in partnership with International Paper and the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The 2026 collection celebrates the important role Memphis has played throughout United States history, helping young readers explore their community while strengthening reading skills.
The success of the Lit Bag program would not be possible without the network of community organizations that help distribute the bags and connect families with valuable literacy resources. Together, these partnerships are ensuring that thousands of children enter the new school year with books in their homes, stronger reading habits, and continued excitement about learning.
