Throughout October, donate new or like-new books at any SDCCU branch

SAN DIEGO, Calif., (October 1, 2026) — San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of Southern California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is collecting new and like-new books for its Lift Up Literacy program, which aims to increase access to reading throughout Southern California. This marks the fourth consecutive year SDCCU has supported local libraries through its Lift Up Literacy campaign. 

SDCCU developed the Lift Up Literacy campaign in 2023 in partnership with the San Diego County Library (SDCL). In 2025, the campaign expanded to include new partnerships with the Friends of the Laguna Niguel Library, Friends of the Murrieta Library, and surrounding library systems to support literacy efforts across Southern California. Since its launch, the book drive has collected and donated 37,000 books throughout San Diego, Orange, and Riverside Counties. 

“We are proud to partner with the San Diego County Library, Friends of the Laguna Niguel Library and Friends of the Murrieta Library to support literacy across Southern California,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO. “We are grateful to everyone who continues to support Lift Up Literacy and helps increase access to  books for the children, families, and readers of all ages across our communities.”

"Four years in, Lift Up Literacy has put thousands of free books into the hands of readers across San Diego County," said San Diego County Library Director Migell Acosta. "That's what a lasting partnership makes possible. Thanks to SDCCU and its members, families can find a new book in a Little Free Library down the street or at one of our community events. Every one of those books is a chance for a child to discover a love of reading that carries them through school and beyond."

Community donations in San Diego will support library initiatives dedicated to increasing access to reading throughout Southern California. SDLC encourages a love of reading in every way across all branches, kiosks, and Free Little Libraries, an honor-based book exchange program encased in welcoming mailbox-like structures. Free Little Libraries are placed in areas managing literacy challenges, including transportation, financial, or technical barriers. The Friends of the Laguna Niguel Library and Friends of the Murrieta Library will use community donations in their bookstores to help fund library programs.

Books create additional avenues for local libraries to continue strengthening literacy, adding to existing programs and physical and virtual hubs of resources that allow citizens of all ages to experience education, entertainment, and culture. For additional details, visit sdccu.com/bookdrive. 

SDCCU is one of the nation’s top credit unions and was named one of America’s Best Regional Credit Unions in 2026 by Newsweek and voted San Diego’s BEST Credit Union for 2026 in The San Diego Union-Tribune Readers Poll. SDCCU proudly serves the financial needs of customers in Southern California counties, including Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. SDCCU provides breakthrough banking products that meet the demands of today’s lifestyle and delivers banking services that save customers money. SDCCU is leading the way, offering FREE Checking with eStatements, SDCCU mobile banking, mortgage loans, auto loans, Visa® credit cards, and business banking services. Federally insured by NCUA. Membership required. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #580585. For more information, visit www.sdccu.com.

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