Get to Know Us
For over 30 years, the state of Illinois has been dedicated to improving lives through literacy. We believe that learning to read and write empowers individuals, strengthens the economy, improves health, and helps communities thrive.
Our Vision
A thriving adult education ecosystem where every Illinois resident can access quality English learning resources, building skills they need to fully participate in their communities—civic, economic, and personal.
The Illinois Literacy Network
Advancing literacy requires collaboration among diverse stakeholders. In Illinois, literacy services are delivered by a network of community-based organizations, colleges and universities, PK to 12 schools, libraries, and other education providers working together to meet learners' needs. Within this network, the Illinois Literacy Foundation serves to support these organizations by facilitating cooperation and building capacity.
Our History
Amidst a national push for literacy education in the 1990s, the Literacy Office was created as a division of the Illinois State Library under Illinois Secretary of State Jim Edgar. In 1993, Illinois Secretary of State George Ryan established the Illinois Literacy Foundation (ILF) by statute to encourage support for statewide literacy initiatives. This effort continued under Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, whose administration focused on childhood literacy, book distribution, and community reading events.
In 2023, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias initiated an effort to strengthen the ILF, focusing on improving literacy support for all ages.
We are unique as a nonprofit that works closely with a state agency to support literacy education. Together with the Literacy Office, we aim to inform, organize, and support the work of literacy organizations across the state through existing and new programs. Our goal is for Illinois to be a national leader in promoting basic education and ensuring access to literacy services for all residents.
We coordinate with local educators, policy makers, librarians, and community activists across Illinois to make a positive impact. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we generate support through grants from corporations and foundations. As partners of the Illinois State Library, we collaborate with libraries, public schools, community colleges, and a network of over 100 nonprofit literacy services providers and represent literacy interests statewide.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
The Illinois Literacy Foundation celebrates the rich diversity of our state. Recognizing literacy as a right, the ILF endeavors to improve access to literacy services for all Illinois residents.
The ILF prohibits any form of discrimination, harassment, or prejudice based on race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, actual or perceived age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other protected characteristic. This applies to ILF staff, volunteers, program participants, and any individual engaged in activities related to our organization. Partner organizations and recipients of direct support from the ILF must likewise refrain discriminating on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. Though affiliated with the office of the Illinois Secretary of State, a constitutional office, the ILF does not endorse specific political candidates, nor does the ILF take positions regarding specific legislation.
The ILF and its partners make reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities or special requirements, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Any complaints of discrimination or harassment will be promptly investigated. Appropriate action will be taken to address any claims substantiated by ILF leadership.
We invite all residents of Illinois to participate, irrespective of background or circumstance. Embracing diversity, we serve the whole community to create a more equitable world.
Our Team
Executive Leadership
Hanah Jubeh
Interim Executive Director
Cabell King
Foundation Manager
Board of Directors
Heather Anichini
Treasurer
Christina Sedrel de Jong
Claire Demirjian
Secretary
Hanah Jubeh
Ex Officio Representative, ILSOS
Meetings
In compliance with the Illinois Open Meeting Act, members of the public are welcome at any meeting of the ILF Board of Directors. Contact us if you plan to attend or have any questions.
Meeting Agenda and Minutes
2025
2024
2023
Contact Us
We're here to help and answer your questions about literacy in Illinois.