Why It Matters
Low literacy affects economic mobility, workforce readiness, and long-term community health. Georgia Reads exists to turn that trend around by building alignment, driving awareness, and inspiring collective action across the state.
What We Do
Georgia Reads connects partners, highlights successful local initiatives, and empowers communities with tools and programs that move the needle on reading achievement. From Rome to Valdosta, Savannah to Columbus, Augusta to Athens, the goal is the same: make literacy a statewide priority with measurable impact.
Our Goal
To create a Georgia where every child reads confidently, every family feels supported, and every community has the resources to rise. Together, we aim to increase reading proficiency, close literacy gaps, and build a stronger future—one reader at a time.
Join the movement. Support literacy. Build a brighter Georgia.
Georgia Reads Day in September
Georgia Reads Day is about sparking momentum and showing kids they are supported, communities connected, and reminding the entire state that literacy is a shared responsibility worth rallying behind.
Georgia Reads Day is a statewide celebration of literacy held every September to ignite excitement for reading and rally communities around the power of books. Schools, libraries, after-school programs, educators, families, civic leaders, and partner organizations all take part—turning one day into a shared moment of pride and purpose across Georgia.
The day centers on a statewide Reading Rally led by Georgia Reads Coach Malcolm Mitchell—Super Bowl Champion, author, and longtime literacy advocate. His energy sets the tone: high-impact, high-engagement, and focused on motivating students to see reading as both empowering and fun.
The Reading Rally brings together:
- Students from across Georgia
- Teachers and school leaders
- Public libraries and literacy organizations
- Community groups and volunteers
- State and local leaders who champion education
Some attend in person, many join virtually, and thousands participate from their classrooms or libraries—creating a unified, statewide moment of celebration.
Georgia Reads Day at the Capitol
Georgia Reads Day at the Capitol, held each February, is a statewide celebration of literacy achievements and community impact. This annual event honors the ten communities that have won the Georgia Reads Community Award and recognizes the four READBowl Champions across Pre-K, Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions.
Who Is Involved
- Award-winning communities and their local leaders
- Students, teachers, and school administrators
- Library partners and literacy organizations
- State and local policymakers who support education
- Georgia Reads staff and partners who coordinate and celebrate the achievements
Attendees gather at the Georgia State Capitol to connect with lawmakers, share success stories, and spotlight the critical work being done to improve literacy across the state.
By bringing together champions of reading from students to civic leaders, Georgia Reads Day at the Capitol demonstrates the power of collaboration and encourages continued investment in Georgia’s literacy future.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Georgia Reads?
Georgia Reads is a statewide literacy initiative in Georgia focused on improving reading skills, unifying communities, and supporting schools, libraries, and families across the state.
Who can participate in Georgia Reads programs?
Schools, Georgia libraries, educators, families, and local organizations are all invited to join Georgia Reads programs to enhance literacy outcomes statewide.
When and how did Georgia Reads start?
Georgia Reads began as a collaborative effort among educators, civic leaders, and literacy advocates to address low literacy rates in Georgia and strengthen statewide reading initiatives.
What is the mission of Georgia Reads?
The mission is to increase reading proficiency in Georgia, empower communities, and provide resources that help children and adults achieve literacy success.
What is Georgia Reads Day?
Georgia Reads Day is an annual literacy celebration in September designed to inspire students, families, and communities to read together and engage with statewide literacy programs.
Who leads the Georgia Reads Reading Rally?
Coach Malcolm Mitchell, Super Bowl Champion and literacy advocate, leads the Reading Rally to motivate students across Georgia to love reading.
Who attends Georgia Reads Day events?
Students, teachers, school administrators, library staff, community organizations, and civic leaders attend both in-person and virtual Georgia Reads Day events.
What is the goal of Georgia Reads Day?
The goal is to spark statewide excitement for reading, encourage participation in literacy programs, and engage Georgia communities in improving reading outcomes.
What is Georgia Reads Day at the Capitol?
Georgia Reads Day at the Capitol, held each February in Atlanta, Georgia, celebrates literacy achievements, honors award-winning communities, and connects literacy leaders with state policymakers.
Who is recognized during Georgia Reads Day at the Capitol?
The ten Georgia Reads Community Award-winning communities and four READBowl Champions (Pre-K, Elementary, Middle, High School) are recognized for outstanding literacy performance.
Who attends the Georgia Reads Day at the Capitol?
Award-winning communities, students, educators, library partners, civic leaders, and Georgia state policymakers participate in this annual celebration.
Why is Georgia Reads Day at the Capitol important?
The event highlights measurable literacy success in Georgia, showcases effective programs, inspires other communities to take action, and advocates for statewide literacy as a public priority.
What is the Georgia Reads Community Award?
This annual award honors ten Georgia communities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to literacy through innovative programs, partnerships, and measurable impact.
Who can apply for the Georgia Reads Community Award?
Schools, libraries, and community organizations across Georgia are eligible to apply for recognition through the Georgia Reads Community Award program.
What is READBowl?
READBowl is Georgia Reads’ statewide student reading competition. Students in Pre-K, Elementary, Middle, and High School track their reading progress and compete for recognition as READBowl Champions.
Why is READBowl important for Georgia students?
READBowl motivates students to read more, improves literacy skills, fosters healthy competition, and highlights the value of reading across Georgia communities.