Granite Credit Union Foundation and Marissa’s Bookstore Partner to Put Thousands of Books into the Hands of Utah Readers

Reading event supports Governor Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox’s Utah Reads initiative and statewide Read-a-thon to help enhance literacy

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Granite Credit Union Foundation and Marissa's Books & Gifts are partnering to support Governor Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox's statewide Read-A-Thon on October 2, 2026, part of the Utah Reads initiative that encourages all Utahns to set aside time to read and celebrate literacy. The statewide event invites businesses, schools, libraries, community organizations, and families to participate in a shared hour of reading across Utah.

The collaboration between Granite Credit Union Foundation and Marissa's Books & Gifts focuses on increasing access to books while highlighting the connection between reading literacy and financial literacy.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

"Reading has the power to enrich lives at every age. Whether it sparks a child's imagination, helps a student succeed, or inspires an adult to learn something new, books create opportunities that can last a lifetime," said First Lady Abby Cox. "When businesses, community organizations, and local leaders work together to make books more accessible, the impact reaches individuals and families across our communities. I am grateful for the partnership between Granite Credit Union and Marissa's Books & Gifts and their commitment to encouraging a lifelong love of reading throughout Utah."

To help families prepare for the Read-A-Thon, Marissa's Books & Gifts will host a three-day free book event September 25-27. Readers may select up to four free books, while Granite Credit Union will provide an additional free book, book bags, and bookmarks. Granite Credit Union will also distribute free books at all branch locations through October 2 while supplies last.

"We believe something powerful happens when you give someone a book of their own," said Cindy Dumas, owner of Marissa's Books & Gifts. "A book can spark curiosity, create a lifelong reader, or simply remind someone that reading can be fun. We're thrilled to partner with Granite Credit Union Foundation to help remove barriers to book ownership and inspire more Utah families to discover the joy of reading."

On October 2, First Lady Abby Cox will visit Granite Credit Union's Corporate Office, located at 3675 South 900 East in Millcreek, for a children's story time. Community members are invited to attend, receive a free financial literacy book, enjoy cookies and treats while supplies last, and learn about Granite Credit Union youth savings opportunities.

The celebration will extend to all Granite Credit Union branches, where participants can receive a free financial literacy book, a book bag, a bookmark, information about youth accounts, and a $50 bonus offer when opening an eligible youth account.

"Education has been at the heart of Granite Credit Union since our founding by educators more than 90 years ago," said Mary Woodard, President of the Granite Foundation. "We are proud to support Governor and First Lady Cox's vision of creating a culture of reading across Utah. By partnering with Marissa's Books & Gifts, we're helping place books directly into the hands of children and families while reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning."

"Literacy and financial education are both essential tools for lifelong success," Woodard added. "Through books, story times, and conversations about money management, we hope to help children develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive both in the classroom and in life."

To learn more about Granite Credit Union, visit granite.org

To sign up and receive more information, go to ShowUpUtah.org

To learn more about the foundation, visit Granite Credit Union Foundation

To learn more about Marissa’s Bookstore, visit Marissa's Books

About Granite Credit Union
Founded in 1935, Granite Credit Union serves over 40,000 members, has 14 branch locations, and over $900 million in assets. Committed to helping members achieve their financial goals, Granite Credit Union offers a variety of financial products and services, including competitive rates, flexible lending options, and personalized financial guidance. With a vision of "always there... so you can make life happen," the credit union strives to empower members with the tools and support they need to succeed financially. Members enjoy access to secure mobile banking services, online tools, and personalized in-branch assistance at locations across Utah. Granite Credit Union is dedicated to positively impacting the communities it serves through financial education, trusted relationships, and exceptional service. Granite Credit Union is always there... so you can make life happen.

About the Granite Credit Union Foundation
Founded in 2022, the foundation has distributed over $330,000 in scholarships, grants, and community giving. It provides charitable and educational grant and scholarship giving. The foundation exists to assist organizations that benefit the communities in which Granite Credit Union operates. The Foundation will work to connect volunteers and resources to community organizations. It focuses on supporting education, economic, and financial equity in communities served by Granite Credit Union. It will also conduct fundraising activities that support its operations.

About Marissa’s Bookstore
Marissa’s Books was founded in 2013 with one goal in mind- to share the excitement of reading with customers all around the world. With both an online presence and a brick and mortar store located in Salt Lake City, Utah, Marissa’s Bookstore has surpassed its goal of getting trending books to our valued customers at unbeatable bargain pricing. With a special relationship and promise to provide reading resources to educators, librarians, and homeschooling parents, Marissa’s is a community invested, local and online bookstore.

Media Advisory:

FREE BOOK EVENT

September 25- October 1, 2026
Marissa's Bookstore
3302 South 900 East
Millcreek, UT 84106

4 FREE BOOKS per reader. No purchase necessary.

Granite Credit Union

3675 South 900 East

Millcreek, Utah 84106

1 FREE BOOK per reader. No purchase necessary.

Free books will also be available at all 15 Granite Credit Union locations September 25 through October 2, where readers may choose one free book while supplies last.

UTAH STATEWIDE READ-A-THON

October 2, 2026

Governor Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox are encouraging Utahns of all ages, businesses, libraries, schools, and organizations across the state to participate and help champion lifelong reading.

Granite Credit Union branches will participate October 2 with children's financial literacy story times, free books, and special activities.

To sign up and receive more information, go to ShowUpUtah.org

Media Contact:
marketing@granite.org