National Book Foundation Expands Reach With Ambitious Five-Year Plan
The National Book Foundation is charting an assertive path forward, outlining a five-year strategy focused on growth, outreach, and increasing access to literature across the United States. In a recent appearance on the Open Book podcast, executive director Ruth Dickey detailed the organization’s vision, emphasizing a renewed commitment to connecting readers with books while strengthening the role of literary arts in everyday life.
“Our mission is to celebrate outstanding literature, bring books to readers of all ages, and reinforce the importance of reading in our culture,” Dickey said.
At the center of the plan is a significant expansion of live programming. Over the next five years, the foundation intends to host 125 literary events nationwide, with a dedicated effort to reach underserved areas. At least ten of those events will take place in rural or tribal communities where the organization has had little or no presence before.
Access to books remains another major priority. The foundation plans to dramatically scale its existing donation initiative, distributing 1.5 million free books to children and families in public housing across 72 communities. The goal is to remove barriers to reading while fostering a lifelong connection to books.
Educators will also play a key role in the foundation’s efforts. The organization is expanding its teacher fellowship program, which supports middle and high school teachers—particularly in regions affected by book bans—in developing innovative reading projects. Over the next five years, the program aims to assist 40 educators and impact approximately 4,000 students.
In addition, the foundation is exploring ways to broaden the audience for its flagship event, the National Book Awards. One possibility under consideration is securing a streaming partner, allowing viewers to watch the ceremony remotely and bringing it more in line with other major cultural award shows.
The strategy comes at a time when many arts organizations are scaling back due to financial pressures and declining public funding. The National Book Foundation, however, is choosing a different approach—leaning into expansion rather than retreat.
Dickey noted that ongoing challenges, including book bans and shifting reading habits, make it essential for literary organizations to be more visible and proactive. Instead of reducing its footprint, the foundation aims to amplify its impact, bringing books into more communities and creating more opportunities for readers to engage with literature.
If successful, the plan could significantly broaden the foundation’s reach and reinforce its role as a leading advocate for reading and literary culture in the years ahead.