Letters About Literature

The Ohio Center for the Book has received questions about the 2019-2020 Letters about Literature program. At this time, there are no plans to hold a 2019-2020 contest due to the Library of Congress’s decision to step away from the program at the conclusion of the 2019 contest. They have provided a news release (see below) regarding their decision.

The Ohio Center for the Book is exploring ways to revitalize the program within Ohio. We will do our best to keep all those interested in this wonderful program updated on plans and progress.

Past Years

2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012

News Release

Dear Letters About Literature Teachers/Coordinators:

On behalf of the Ohio Center for the Book, I thank you for your participation in the Letters About Literature program co-sponsored by the Library of Congress and the state centers for the book. The program wouldn’t exist without you. Teachers have been the backbone of this inspired effort and have greatly contributed to the program’s success.

Because there has been such a strong response on the regional level, the Library of Congress has decided to give our state centers full control of Letters about Literature. As a result, the Library of Congress will step away from its administration of the program with the conclusion of the 2019 program year.

Letters about Literature has touched more than 1 million students in grades 4-12 during its 27-year history. At its peak, more than 70,000 students entered their letters each year and wrote about how books have changed their lives for the better. You can feel proud of your efforts in support of this program.

The Library of Congress is committed to developing new programs that fulfill its new strategic plan (https://www.loc.gov/strategic-plan/) and that, like Letters About Literature, will spur a passion for reading in today’s youth and help them to examine and expand their worldview. We will share details of these programs as we have them.

We know that a number of states are passionate about Letters About Literature and committed to continuing the program at the state level. We hope you will join them in developing those programs. We will be in touch with you as decisions are made. Meanwhile, we welcome your comments and suggestions.

Thank you for your invaluable support of the Ohio Center for the Book.

Center for the Book
Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement
Library of Congress