2026 Programs
365 for Kids
2026 Children’s Programs
Three annual initiatives celebrating children’s creativity, voices, stories, and values.
At 365 for Kids, we believe that stories, art, reading, reflection, and meaningful creative expression help children grow with imagination, empathy, confidence, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
Our 2026 children’s programs invite children ages 6–17 to express themselves in three different ways: through visual art, recorded reading, and written reflection.
Together, these initiatives create a meaningful annual program that supports literacy, creativity, character education, artistic expression, and community connection.
We invite libraries, schools, teachers, cultural organizations, community partners, and families to help us share these opportunities with children.
Explore the 2026 Programs
Annual Chicagoland Children’s Stories & Art Exhibition
2026 Theme: “If Stories Could Come Alive”
Children are invited to create original artwork inspired by books, fairy tales, myths, legends, folktales, family stories, or audio stories.
This annual exhibition celebrates the connection between storytelling and visual imagination. Accepted artworks will be showcased online and included in a printed exhibition catalog.
Best for: young artists, readers, storytellers, families, schools, libraries, and art programs.
Learn more:
Annual Chicagoland Children’s
Voices from the Heart
2026 Edition: “A Page That Touched Me”
Children choose a short excerpt from a selected classic book, read it aloud, and share why that passage touched them.
This annual audio project celebrates children’s voices, literature, reading aloud, and personal reflection. Accepted recordings will become part of a free online audio collection.
Best for: children who love reading, literature, performance, speaking, storytelling, and meaningful books.
Learn more:
Annual Chicagoland Children’s
Pages of Virtue
A Children’s Collection of Written Reflections on the Good We Notice, Remember, and Choose
Children are invited to submit a short original written reflection, story, poem, letter, essay, or personal memory inspired by a virtue they have noticed, experienced, practiced, or admired.
Selected writings will be published in the annual Pages of Virtue printed book.
Best for: young writers, thoughtful readers, students, classrooms, families, and children who enjoy expressing ideas through words.
Learn more:
How Partners Can Help
Libraries, schools, teachers, community organizations, and local partners can support these initiatives by:
- sharing the project links with families
- including the programs in newsletters
- displaying flyers or announcements
- encouraging children to participate
- hosting a small information table or creative activity
- connecting us with educators, librarians, and community leaders
Your support helps more children discover meaningful opportunities to read, create, reflect, and share their voices.
Download the partner marketing materials to help share these initiatives with families, students, and your community.
Interested in Supporting One or More Projects?
If your school, library, organization, or business would like to help share or support one or more of our 2026 children’s initiatives, please complete our partner interest form.
