Imagine a world where waiting for your laundry to finish isn’t just a chore, but a chance for your child to dive into a magical story. That’s the reality LaundryCares Foundation and Vooks are creating—and it’s a game-changer for families in everyday spaces. In a groundbreaking partnership announced on October 13, 2025, from Oakbrook Terrace, IL, these two organizations are teaming up to bring free, animated children’s books to laundromats, community centers, and other spaces where families gather. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this isn’t just about handing out books—it’s about transforming mundane moments into opportunities for learning and wonder.
Through this collaboration, LaundryCares Foundation will integrate Vooks’ extensive library of narrated, animated storybooks into its early literacy programs. Vooks, known for its kid-safe, ad-free platform, combines subtle animation, read-aloud narration, and text highlighting to make reading engaging and accessible. And this is the part most people miss: the partnership includes a staggering 100,000 free subscriptions for families, ensuring that high-quality reading experiences are available to children who might not otherwise have access to them.
But here’s the controversial part: Can laundromats really become hubs for literacy? LaundryCares Foundation believes so, and their mission is bold. By turning everyday spaces into places of possibility, they’re challenging the notion that learning only happens in classrooms or libraries. As one representative put it, ‘We’re deeply grateful to Vooks for helping us bring the magic of storytelling to children—wherever they may be. This partnership isn’t just about books; it’s about turning waiting time into wonder time.’
Joey Jenkins, CEO of Vooks, echoed this sentiment: ‘Stories should meet children wherever they are.’ By combining LaundryCares’ vast network of community spaces with Vooks’ digital platform, the duo aims to reach children in underserved areas, ensuring that access to books is no longer a barrier to literacy. Whether a child is waiting for a wash cycle or spending time in a community center, they’ll now have access to Vooks’ curated collection of stories.
But here’s the question we’re left pondering: Is this enough to bridge the literacy gap? While the initiative is undeniably innovative, some might argue that digital solutions alone can’t replace the need for physical books or dedicated learning spaces. What do you think? Can partnerships like these truly transform communities, or is there more work to be done? Let us know in the comments.
Families, laundromat operators, and community organizations participating in LaundryCares’ programs will receive access codes and instructions to seamlessly integrate Vooks’ content into their on-site activities. Vooks will also take center stage at LaundryCares’ Free Literacy and Laundry Days, further amplifying its impact.
About LaundryCares Foundation: A 501(c)(3) organization, LaundryCares is dedicated to turning local laundromats into engines for community uplift. Through initiatives like free laundry days and early literacy programs, they serve 350,000 children annually, with a bold goal of reaching one million. Their approach? Making everyday spaces extraordinary.
About Vooks: Vooks is a digital platform that brings children’s books to life with animation, narration, and sound. Designed to support early literacy, it’s ad-free, kid-safe, and perfect for young readers. By highlighting text as it’s read, Vooks makes learning to read an interactive experience.
This partnership isn’t just about books—it’s about reimagining what’s possible in the spaces we often overlook. So, the next time you’re waiting for your laundry, take a look around. You might just find a child lost in a story, thanks to LaundryCares and Vooks. But we want to hear from you: Can initiatives like these truly change the literacy landscape? Share your thoughts below—let’s start a conversation!
