The Virginia Beach Library Foundation (VBLF) is proud to announce it has been awarded $10,000 from the Pizza Hut Foundation through its Slice of Literacy initiative. This generous investment will directly support the Foundation’s 100 Books Before Graduation Program, helping inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning among students in our community.
Fueling a love of literacy—one book at a time
The 100 Books Before Graduation Program encourages students to build strong reading habits by setting an achievable, motivating goal: read 100 books before graduating. Through access to high-quality, age-appropriate books and engaging literacy experiences, the program helps children strengthen reading skills, boost confidence, and discover the joy that comes from storytelling and knowledge.
With support from the Pizza Hut Foundation, more students will have the opportunity to participate—especially those who may face barriers to accessing books at home. The funding will help provide books, program materials, and incentives that keep students motivated and excited about reading throughout their academic journey.
The Pizza Hut Foundation’s Slice of Literacy initiative is dedicated to improving access to books and literacy resources for children nationwide. By investing in community-based organizations like the Virginia Beach Library Foundation, the Foundation helps ensure that children are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
This award recognizes VBLF’s commitment to advancing literacy and its proven ability to create meaningful, measurable impact through library-based programs. Literacy is foundational to educational success, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning. Partnerships like this one allow the Virginia Beach Library Foundation to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and collaborate with like-minded organizations that share a belief in the power of education.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Pizza Hut Foundation for their support of the 100 Books Before Graduation Program,” said the Virginia Beach Library Foundation Executive Director, Kimberly Knight. “This investment helps us put more books into the hands of children and empowers families to make reading a joyful, everyday habit.”
Looking ahead
With this $10,000 award, the Virginia Beach Library Foundation will continue to strengthen literacy pathways for students across Virginia Beach—supporting early readers today and confident graduates tomorrow. As the 100 Books Before Graduation Program grows, VBLF remains committed to ensuring every child has access to books, encouragement, and opportunities to succeed.