Under the motto “Reading Transforms,” Governor Marina del Pilar is championing a statewide literacy campaign designed to strengthen communities and open doors for youth. The state program, “Five Books Per Year,” is a social strategy to engage over 220,000 students and steer them toward a brighter future.
“Reading doesn’t just form students, it forms people with judgment, with tools to make better decisions, and with more opportunities in life. When a child comes to books, they also step away from paths that do not serve them,” the governor said.
The initiative aims to make reading an accessible right rather than a privilege, particularly in historically underserved areas. Over 220,000 students track their progress in a “Reading Passport,” with 782 public schools and 94 state libraries currently participating across all municipalities.
The goal is to surpass 250,000 participating students by 2026, establishing reading as a permanent tool for education, prevention, and social development in classrooms and communities.
According to Alma Delia Ábrego Ceballos, head of the state’s Department of Culture, the program includes tangible rewards for achievements. Students who surpass the five-book goal are honored as “Outstanding Readers” at award ceremonies and receive special incentives. Educators who excel at fostering literacy in their classrooms are also recognized for their efforts.
The campaign extends beyond school walls through a growing network of “Reading Rooms”, community hubs run by volunteer facilitators. These spaces serve all ages, including migrants and vulnerable populations.
The network is set to expand from 167 reading rooms in 2025 to 182 by 2026, with an annual gathering held to train facilitators and share best practices.
Supporting this infrastructure is a fee-waiver decree signed by the governor, which allows free distribution of public book collections from the Department of Culture and the Baja California Institute of Cultural Services. Since 2022, more than 23,000 books have been donated directly to communities, schools, and civil society groups.
