Las Vegas, NV — March 12, 2026 — The Pizza Hut Foundation, in partnership with the iconic BOOK IT!® reading program, has awarded a $10,000 Slice of Literacy Grant to the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, recognizing the organization’s outstanding commitment to promote literacy and empower people of all ages in the local community.The funds will help support the Barbershop Books program which encourages local youth to discover the joy of reading through the safe, welcoming space of their neighborhood barbershops.
The grant supports the Pizza Hut Foundation’s goal to expand the Pizza Hut BOOK IT!® reading program through additional literacy-focused initiatives. The BOOK IT!® program, which has inspired generations of young readers for over 40 years, continues to fuel literacy efforts nationwide through customer donations and community partnerships.
“We’re thrilled to support the Library District and the incredible work they do every day,” said Eric Hughes, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Pizza Hut. “As a locally owned and operated Pizza Hut in the Las Vegas community, this grant is our way of saying thank you for being a champion of literacy. When it comes to building brighter futures, No One OutPizzas the Hut!”
Barbershop Books, launched in Las Vegas in 2024, trains barbers to engage with their young customers by providing them with free books and talking with them about the stories they are reading. The nationwide program was founded by former elementary teacher Alvin Irby, who was named one of CNN’s Top 25 Heroes of 2023 for his work in literacy. Barbershop Books is part of the NFL Inspire Change social justice initiative.
“We are grateful to the Pizza Hut Foundation and the Book It!® program for recognizing the importance of community-based literacy efforts,” said Library District Executive Director Kevin Watson. “This generous support for Barbershop Books helps us meet young readers where they are by turning everyday spaces into places of discovery and helping more children in our community build a lifelong love of reading.”
The Pizza Hut Foundation’s Slice of Literacy Grant Program supports nonprofits located within 15 miles of a Pizza Hut restaurant that are actively working to improve literacy outcomes in their communities.
For more information about the Pizza Hut Foundation and its programs, visit PizzaHutFoundation.org.
More information about Barbershop Books, including a list of participating barbershops, can be found on the Library District website at thelibrarydistrict.org/Barbershop-Books/.
Media Contacts:
Pizza Hut Foundation, Matt Simpson, Matt@MaguireMarketing.Net, 602-489-1456
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, KC Kappen, kck@thefirmpr.com, 702.739.9933
About the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
The award-winning Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is an independent taxing entity that serves a diverse community across 8,000 square miles. Through its 25 branches and website, the Library District offers a collection of 2.8 million items, including books, movies, music (including streaming and downloadable), online resources, and free programs for all ages. The Library District’s new Free To Be public education campaign demonstrates the vital and vibrant role that the library plays in Las Vegas and Clark County, offering unexpected experiences; limitless learning; business and career advancement; government and social services support; and best of all, a place where customers find a sense of culture and community. For more information, and to support Library District programs, please visit TheLibraryDistrict.org.
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