First Book is proud to celebrate the joy of reading with the incredible women of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. Today marks the Fraternity’s 141st year and another milestone in the Fraternity’s long history of supporting literacy.

On April 28, 1867, 12 women joined together to form a secret college society for women at Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL, not knowing what the future would hold. More than 140 years later, those 12 women have touched the lives of over 236,000 members across North America. Pi Beta Phi was the first national secret college society of women to be modeled after the Greek-letter fraternities of men. At a time when few women were admitted to colleges and universities, Pi Beta Phi created a feeling of unity among pioneering women.

To honor this anniversary, First Book and Pi Beta Phi distributed 250,000 brand-new books to children in need across the country.

In addition, Pi Beta Phi and First Book hosted two reading party events in celebration of Founders’ Day in Dallas and Champaign, Illinois. Dallas area Pi Beta Phi alumnae and collegians and members of the University of Illinois chapter of Pi Beta Phi celebrated the donation of brand-new books by decorating bookplates and reading with local children. Each child participating received two new books to take home.

Pi Phi has a long legacy of supporting literacy and we applaud their renewed commitment to literacy for children across the country. Happy Birthday Pi Beta Phi!