NEWS RELEASES  >  JULY 20, 2023

Follett Literacy Conference Attracts Top-Selling Authors, Librarians, Teachers


MCHENRY, Ill., July 20, 2023 Educators from around the country joined several top children’s authors at ReadingCon 2023, staged recently by Follett School Solutions at Northern Illinois University, Naperville Conference Center.

The professional development event featured breakout sessions addressing key topics facilitated by educators, comprised mostly of teachers and librarians, alongside the high-profile authors.

“This was a fabulous day,” said Kate DiCamillo, a two-time Newbery Award-winning author who delivered the keynote address to open the event. “I loved being able to talk to so many educators.”

Author Kate DiCamillo (left) delivered the opening keynote address at ReadingCon ’23.

Other authors in attendance included Laurie Halse Anderson, Derrick Barnes, Andrea Beaty, Jerry Craft, Joanna Ho, Kazu Kibuishi, Sarah Kurpiel, Sara Raasch, Dwayne Reed, Beth Revis, Aisha Saeed, John Schu, Ruth Spiro, Lauren Tarshis, and Carole Boston Weatherford.

“Thank you so much to Follett for inviting me to play along and learn so much,” said Beaty, acclaimed for her series, The Questioneers. “I loved the day and everything being done to get books in the hands of kids!”

ReadingCon ’23, held June 22, also featured a bookstore with author titles for on-site purchases, as well as ample time set aside for author book signings. In addition, participating publishers from Follett’s Premier Partner Program were on site to share their latest titles, meet with the attendees, and provide books that were awarded as prizes during random drawings.

“We heard many times throughout the day that this type of event doesn’t exist elsewhere,” said Britten Follett, CEO of Follett Content Solutions. “Infusing professional development for educators with top-tier authors in an intimate setting, all at an affordable price, proved to be the right blueprint for an event such as this.”

###

Media Contact: Doug Thompson | Thompson Drake Public Relations | 541.419.4471 | doug@thompsondrake.com

Recent News

All4Ed's Future Ready Schools Launches Future Ready Librarians Framework 3.0

October 16, 2025

Washington, D.C., Oct. 16, 2025 — All4Ed’s Future Ready Schools® (FRS) today announced the release of the Future Ready Librarians® Framework 3.0, an updated framework that positions school librarians as catalysts for learning, innovation, and equity in today’s rapidly changing...
Read more

Follett Content Expands to Public Libraries

September 23, 2025

McHenry, Ill., Sep. 23, 2025 – Follett Content, a trusted partner of PreK-12 school librarians worldwide and leader in educational content and services, today announced it will support the children’s and Young Adult (YA) public library space. This initiative stems from the company’s...
Read more

Follett Content Hosts Public Warehouse Book Sale to Benefit United Way of Greater McHenry County's Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program

September 16, 2025

McHenry, Ill., Sep. 16, 2025 – Follett Content, in proud partnership with United Way of Greater McHenry County, is excited to welcome the community to its Warehouse Book Sale on Saturday, September 27, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1340 Ridgeview...
Read more

Follett Content Champions Literacy Access with Exclusive Preorder Pricing on Two Fall Blockbusters

July 15, 2025

McHenry, Ill., Jul. 15, 2025 – In a bold move to support literacy and equity in schools, Follett Content is launching an exclusive preorder promotion for two of the most anticipated titles in children’s literature: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper (releasing...
Read more

Offering books featuring favorite licensed characters can engage young readers

April 10, 2025

Holden, my 21-month-old, has fallen in love. His early morning snack and “couch time” includes a dose of “Tiger!”  This is toddler for, “Mom, turn on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.”  It inevitably leaves me singing whatever jingle is repeated throughout the...
Read more

LOCAL BUSINESS DONATES SALES TO KIDS IN NEED

April 10, 2025

McHenry, Ill., Apr. 10, 2025 – Edythe's Book Nook, the employee bookstore of McHenry’s Follett Content, is proud to announce the donation of $1,300 from its January and February 2025, sales to Kids in Need McHenry County. This generous contribution will support the organization's...
Read more

More articles and releases