JANE AUSTEN
LITERACY FOUNDATION
North American Friends
Founded by Jane Austen’s fifth great niece
The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation North American Friends supports and promotes the work of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.
Our Mission
Founded in 2014, the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation is a registered not-for-profit with a mission to Connect Through Literacy.
The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation North American Friends, launched in 2025 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, gives Americans the opportunity to join Jane’s family and directly support our work and mission.
We believe that literacy connects us to each other, to the world around us, and to a world of imagination and possibilities.
We work to increase reading and writing among individuals of all ages and origins, and to support literacy programs in developing and at-risk communities around the world.
Founded by Caroline Jane Knight, the last of Jane Austen’s nieces to grow up at Chawton House on the family’s ancestral estate where Jane herself lived and wrote, to improve literacy rates in honour of Jane and her enduring legacy.
Join the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation Community today!
Step into a world where Jane Austen’s legacy brings people together. Our virtual community is a welcoming gathering place for Austen admirers across the globe, a space to have fun, find connection, and celebrate a shared love of books and Jane Austen while supporting vital literacy programs worldwide.
Here, you’ll enjoy lively discussions, engaging book clubs, and exclusive events inspired by Austen’s wit and wisdom. From conversations with acclaimed authors to intimate gatherings in our virtual parlor with Austen’s own family and our Ambassadors, every experience is designed to foster connection and joy.
Whether you’re hoping to read more, make new friends, or simply delight in Austen’s enduring charm, you’ll find yourself at home here. Best of all, your subscription helps bring the gift of literacy to children in need through the work of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.
Subscriptions to the Community are paid directly to the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation. The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation North American Friends do not receive any portion of the revenue and your paid subscription is not tax-deductible.
CONNECTING THROUGH LITERACY
The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation connects a world-wide community of people who believe in the power of literacy and want to help those who need it.
The Foundation works to increase reading and writing among individuals of all ages and origins, and to support literacy programs in developing and at-risk communities around the world.
Jane’s legacy continues through the work of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation and the North American Friends. We engage myriad readers and writers globally in Foundation literacy activities and events and support literacy programs in Asia, Africa, the US, UK and Australia, giving thousands of children the chance to better connect with the world around them.
Jane Austen has brought joy, companionship and inspiration to millions around the world and we invite you to join us in honouring Jane’s legacy through the work of the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LITERACY
Help us today to improve literacy rates
The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation Bookplate Shop
Personalized bookplates are a traditional way to indicate ownership of physical books and were commonly used in Jane Austen's time.
Enjoy the pleasure of marking one of your favorite books with a beautifully designed bookplate, personalized with your name in Jane Austen’s handwriting and support our work—all proceeds to the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation.
Bookplates can also play an important role in teaching our children the value of books and stimulate conversation about which are your favorite books and why.
Choose from our Collection and enter the name you would like on the bookplate—they make a great gift! Your bookplates will be emailed to you within a few days, ready to print, cut and paste into your favorite book.
Bookplate purchases are paid directly to the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation. The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation North American Friends does not receive any portion of the revenue and your purchase is not tax-deductible.
JANE, LIBRARIES AND LITERACY
Literacy resources and mentors and as important for literacy today as they were for Jane Austen over two hundred years ago.
LITERACY MATTERS
Being able to read and write is a necessity.
Literacy connects us to each other, to the world around us and to a world of imagination and possibilities.
Education is the key to self improvement and unlocking one's potential. Literacy is the gateway to pride and possibilities.
EDUCATION
Literacy increases empathy, imagination and creativity. It is an essential skill for those who want to understand, enjoy and contribute to the world around them.
EMPOWERMENT
ENJOYMENT
The simple pleasure and value of reading is universal. "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading" - Jane Austen.