Librarian Overview

Empower students with books and real financial lessons

With Reading Makes Cents, you’re doing more than reinforcing Virginia’s K–8 Standards of Learning: you’re sparking curiosity, money-smart thinking and growing a joy for reading through story-based learning.

What you get:

1

Three free, library-bound books for your school library—featuring rich financial literacy themes, along with downloadable lesson plans

Cover image of A Budget for Bingo

A Budget for Bingo

Lesson Plan
Cover image of Cooler than Lemonade

Cooler than Lemonade

Lesson Plan
Cover image of Josephine and her Dishwashing Machine

Josephine and her Dishwashing Machine

Lesson Plan
2

Learning outcomes that matter—teach SOL-aligned concepts like scarcity, earning, opportunity cost and saving—all through engaging books and activities.

3

Rewards for participation—Students could win one of 14 $529 contributions to an Invest529 savings account, while schools compete regionally for a chance to earn your school $500 in free financial literacy books.

Program participation

Bring Reading Makes Cents to your school by signing up. Online entries must be received or paper forms postmarked by April 17, 2026. Submit an application online or print a copy and return it by email, fax or mail.

Sign Up Here!

2024-2025 Librarian winners

2024-2025 Program Participation: 2173 Students | 200 Librarians

Kelly Chavis, Appomattox Primary; Kelly Machovec, Westridge Elementary; Megan Sawyers, Ferrum Elementary; Margo Jantzi, Pleasant Valley Elementary