United Way Rock River Valley and Follett Content Partner to Donate 2,000 Books to Rockford Students

Rockford, Ill., Apr. 2, 2026 – United Way Rock River Valley (UWRRV) and Follett Content are proud to partner on placing 2,000 new books directly into the hands of Rockford Public School students. Follett Content’s donation fulfills the entire goal of United Way’s Books for Brighter Futures book drive, ensuring that hundreds of local PreK-3 children will have books of their own to read and cherish.

The donation came after Follett Content CEO Britten Follett saw press coverage of United Way’s call for community support. Follett quickly committed to donating all 2,000 books sought by the campaign – instantly meeting the goal with one powerful act of generosity.

“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful,” said Julie Bosma, President and CEO of United Way Rock River Valley. “This donation doesn’t just meet a goal – it transforms it. Reading is foundational to academic success, and thanks to Follett Content, 2,000 students will now have greater access to stories, imagination, and opportunity.”

Follett Content, headquartered in McHenry, Illinois, serves more than 45 million students worldwide by delivering high-quality educational content and solutions, and is now a major book supplier for public libraries as well. Supporting literacy and expanding access to books is central to the company’s mission – and this donation reflects its ongoing commitment to both education and the communities it serves.

“At Follett Content, we believe every child deserves access to books and the joy and confidence that reading can inspire,” said Britten Follett, CEO of Follett Content. “When we saw United Way’s book drive, we knew this was an opportunity to make a meaningful local impact aligned with our mission. Rockford is a special place to me, and it feels especially rewarding to give back in this way.”

That connection runs deep. Throughout college and post-graduation, and before joining Follett Content, Britten Follett began her career as a television reporter in Rockford, where she developed a lasting appreciation for the community and the power of storytelling.

“Stories shape how we see the world,” Follett added. “Helping students discover their own love of reading – especially in a community that played an important role in my own story – makes this donation incredibly meaningful.”

While the original goal of the book drive has been met, United Way Rock River Valley says the momentum has inspired an even bigger vision.

“This generosity has us dreaming bigger,” said Bosma. “If we can reach 4,000 books, we can put even more reading materials into the hands of students who need them. The need remains great, and the impact is undeniable.”

That work connects directly to United Way Rock River Valley’s goal: 75% of Winnebago County third graders reading at grade level or above by 2034. Access to books at home is one of the most evidence-backed ways to build early literacy, and right now, too many families in our community don't have enough of them.

The Books for Brighter Futures book drive will culminate in a Free Community Book Fair on May 14.

Community members and partners interested in helping expand the effort are encouraged to learn more and contribute through United Way Rock River Valley: https://www.unitedwayrrv.org/news/books-for-brighter-futures-book-drive. 

About United Way Rock River Valley | unitedwayrrv.org 

United Way Rock River Valley mobilizes the caring power of the community to improve lives across the region, with a focus on initiatives that help children thrive, families stabilize, and communities grow stronger. To learn more about the work United Way Rock River Valley is doing to address the literacy crisis in Winnebago County, visit unitedway.org/united-for-literacy. 

About Follett Content | follettcontent.com 

Follett Content Solutions is the largest provider of children’s and youth print materials and solutions to PreK-12 libraries, classrooms, learning centers and school districts in the United States and educational institutions worldwide, and a major supplier to public libraries. Follett Content provides books, Makerspace and hands-on learning materials through Titlewave®, the most powerful collection management tool for educators, school librarians, and public librarians. They offer trusted services backed by more than 150 years of expertise. Follow @FollettContent on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.  

Media Contacts: 

• Rock River Valley United Way: Amy Ulivieri | 312.285.4559 | marketing@unitedwayrrv.org
• Follett Content: Amy Piedra | 708.884.8506 | apiedra@follettcontent.com