Celebrating 70 Years

Founded in 1956 as the International Reading Association, the International Literacy Association (ILA) has served as the professional home for literacy educators, researchers, and leaders across 128 countries.

For 70 years, ILA has set the standard for how literacy is defined, taught, and evaluated, all while building a global community committed to advancing literacy as a fundamental human right.

This anniversary marks a moment to honor that work—and to look ahead.

 
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Share Your Support

Our 70th anniversary is a powerful opportunity to invest in ILA's future and advance our vision for a more literate world. Achieving this vision requires bold action and vital resources.

Help support ILA's impact and leadership in literacy education by contributing to one of our 70th anniversary fundraising campaigns:

circle of 70 fundraising campaign

 

dollar a decade fundraising campaign

 


Share Your Story

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Our story can’t be told without the stories of our members. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, we invite you to share how you found the organization, what membership has meant to you, and the impact it has had on your professional journey. Please send your reflections and photos to social@reading.org.

Together, we can tell the full story of our first 70 years.