Winner Year: 2026

Lumpkin County Schools – One Lumpkin Reads

One Lumpkin Reads unites the Lumpkin County School System, Lumpkin County Library, Family Connection Partnership, Dahlonega Sunrise Rotary Club, Lumpkin Literacy Coalition, and the University of North Georgia to improve literacy across the county. The initiative targets economically disadvantaged families, English language learners, and rural households, providing books, workshops, and family engagement events rooted in evidence‑based literacy practices. Since its launch, the program has increased third‑grade reading proficiency, expanded preschool enrollment, and boosted participation in family reading activities. By building community awareness and access to literacy resources, One Lumpkin Reads has established a vibrant culture of reading that extends beyond classrooms and into everyday life.

Portal of Commencement Midpoint Shelter, Inc – Family Pages

The Family Pages initiative, led by Portal of Commencement Midpoint Shelter, Inc., strengthens family literacy across underserved Atlanta communities through weekly workshops, reading circles, and literacy events. Serving families in South and West Atlanta, South Fulton, Clayton County, and South DeKalb, the program integrates education, mentorship, and community engagement while distributing culturally relevant books and literacy kits. Children participating in the initiative demonstrate improved reading levels, and overall family engagement in reading activities has grown significantly. Through shared leadership and collaborative partnerships, Family Pages has built a sustainable, community‑driven literacy network that continues to expand access and promote educational equity.

Reach Out and Read Georgia – Fulton County

Reach Out and Read Georgia partners with the Georgia Family Connection Partnership, Fulton County Library System, Atlanta‑Fulton Public Library Foundation, Fulton County Government, and Black Child Development Institute–Atlanta to strengthen early literacy and family well‑being for children birth to age five. The program embeds literacy guidance and culturally responsive books into pediatric care visits and connects families to library storytimes and early‑literacy programs across the county. These coordinated efforts have increased family participation in literacy activities, improved access to high‑quality books, and reinforced daily shared‑reading routines. By fostering a cohesive early‑literacy ecosystem, Reach Out and Read Georgia empowers parents and ensures more children enter kindergarten ready to read.

Website: https://reachoutandreadga.org

Books for Keeps – Athens

Books for Keeps works across Athens and Clarke County to ensure every child has access to high‑quality books and literacy resources from birth through early elementary school. Partnering with schools, libraries, and community organizations, the initiative distributes thousands of free books and literacy kits annually to families, encouraging daily reading at home. Programs include family literacy workshops, story times, and community events that promote engagement and support caregivers as active reading partners. By providing consistent access to books and reading support, Books for Keeps strengthens early literacy skills and fosters a lifelong love of reading in Athens children.

Website: https://www.booksforkeeps.org

Jackson County Schools

In partnership with the Ferst Foundation for Early Literacy and local community organizations, Jackson County Schools has expanded access to early childhood education and family literacy resources for children from birth through third grade. The initiative provides Pre‑K enrollment supports, distributes high‑quality books, hosts literacy workshops, and sustains summer reading programs that serve families with limited resources and English Language Learners. These efforts have increased Pre‑K enrollment significantly and contributed to gains in early literacy and reading proficiency among elementary students. By strengthening family engagement and building community partnerships, Jackson County promotes educational equity and school readiness.

District Website: https://www.jacksonschoolsga.org
Ferst Foundation: https://www.ferstfoundation.org

United Way of Hall County – United We Read

United Way of Hall County collaborates with Hall County Schools, Gainesville City Schools, the Hall County Library System, INK, Wisdom Keepers, and other community partners to strengthen early literacy for children birth to age eight. Through United We Read storytimes, bilingual book distributions, caregiver workshops, and mobile literacy initiatives like the Reading Rocket and Herd Bus, the initiative brings books and learning opportunities directly into neighborhoods. Family engagement tools, including The Basics Hall County workshops, equip caregivers to support reading at home. These collective efforts have increased early literacy exposure, bolstered school readiness, and established a unified, community‑driven literacy network across Hall County.

Website: https://www.unitedwayhallcounty.org

Meriwether County School System – Get Meriwether Reading

Get Meriwether Reading brings together the Meriwether County School System, Meriwether County Family Connection, the Meriwether Chamber of Commerce, public health, and early learning centers to strengthen literacy and school readiness for children birth through age eight. Programs such as Reading Cubs, Reading Rangers tutoring, Digging with Dads literacy gardening, and family nights deliver high‑quality learning experiences directly to families. The initiative distributes more than 3,000 books annually and has significantly reduced the number of kindergarten students identified as “at risk” within one year. By aligning health, education, and community resources, the partnership advances school readiness and long‑term educational outcomes across the county.

For the Love of Reading, Inc.

For the Love of Reading, Inc. engages families and students across Georgia with programs designed to make reading accessible, enjoyable, and culturally relevant for all children. The organization provides book distributions, literacy workshops, and community events that promote daily reading habits and support caregivers as partners in learning. Through partnerships with schools, libraries, and local organizations, the initiative ensures diverse learners have access to materials that reflect their experiences. This work fosters stronger family engagement, improved literacy outcomes, and a lasting culture of reading in communities throughout the state.

Website: https://fortheloveofreading.org

Harris Literacy Center at Augusta University

The Harris Literacy Center at Augusta University is a model of university–community collaboration, integrating education, health, and the arts to provide high‑quality literacy instruction for children, adults, and families. Working with partners like the Jessye Norman School of the Arts and the Community Foundation of the CSRA, the Center blends literacy with wellness, creativity, and family empowerment. Faculty and students across academic disciplines extend literacy beyond the classroom through programming, research, and community engagement. By emphasizing that literacy is both a human right and a community responsibility, the Center fosters a more connected, resilient, and literate Augusta.

Website: https://www.augusta.edu/harris‑literacy‑center

The Mayor’s Impact Team – Monroe Walton Reads

Monroe Walton Reads, led by The Mayor’s Impact Team in partnership with schools, libraries, local government, and youth leadership groups, enhances literacy from early childhood through third grade across Walton County. The initiative includes Cub Club for rising kindergarteners, Bear Storm Buddies peer mentoring, and summer literacy programming designed to support students reading below grade level. Professional development for teachers, community literacy events, and expanded book access through Little Free Libraries extend the reach of literacy supports throughout the community. These coordinated efforts have yielded improvements in reading proficiency, comprehension, and early literacy engagement, making literacy a shared priority in Walton County.