Blog, Press, and News!

At Book Harvest, we believe something both simple and profound: every child deserves the chance to grow up surrounded by books, and every family deserves the support to build joyful early reading routines from birth. Literacy isn’t a luxury — it is foundational to development, opportunity, and lifelong flourishing.

As the year winds down, there’s a certain feeling in the air—a pause between what’s been and what’s coming next. It’s a season for reflection, for togetherness, and for gratitude. At Book Harvest, it’s also a moment to look back on a year filled with stories, smiles, and thousands of books finding their way into children’s homes.

Ready to make a big impact with a simple, community-powered action? Dream Big is Book Harvest’s annual children’s book drive, and it’s easy to take part!

Book Harvest isn't Book Harvest without our foundation of regular volunteers, and there's no better way to say thank you than a party! Last Friday, we celebrated their hard work this year with our annual holiday celebration and first-ever wreath-making workshop.

In the first three years of life, babies’ brains form more than one million neural connections every second. What fuels that growth? Nurturing adults. Responsive interactions. And access to books.

Today and every day, we echo Mayra's gratitude: thank YOU for helping us spread the joy that is book abundance! We are deeply thankful for your steadfast support—the driving force behind our work.

Every day, magic appears in the hands of a child who opens a book; in that instant, a door opens to imagination, to understanding, to hope.

Last Wednesday, Book Harvest staff were invited to visit the Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School for a very special day of celebration: not only to honor Native American Heritage Month, but also to unveil the school's newly replenished library.

As the 2025 Featured Charity for North Carolina, Book Harvest received a jaw-dropping...

Literacy has a long history of being connected to civic participation, and in many cases served as a barrier to voting. In the past, literacy tests have been used to prevent racial minority groups from casting their vote. Low literacy rates continue to keep many eligible voters from engaging in the electoral process today.

In 2025 alone, Books on Break reached 10,420 elementary school students in 30 schools across eight North Carolina counties with 104,200 new books. In addition, 7,320 students in summer programs across 47 NC counties self-selected 73,200 new books. This new video helps bring these numbers to life through the clear excitement and joy on participating students' faces.

For our many employees, a variety of winding paths have led to Book Harvest. For three, that path has included an AmeriCorps year of service at Book Harvest through NC LiteraryCorps. Their reflections are below.

How does Books for K work? Our new video explaining Book Harvest's Books for K program, animated by Drive 80 Studies. Did you know that the reading achievement gap seen in third grade is already fully formed by the time kindergarten ends? That's why Book Harvest's Books for K program is dedicated to giving every kindergartener a strong start, beginning with their very first days of school. Kindergarten is a key moment in which many lasting routines are formed, making it a fo

I’ve had a variety of jobs since graduating from college -- coordinating service puppy research, studying developmental psychology, and teaching abroad -- but with my first week of Book Harvest behind me, I can confidently say that the welcome I received stood out amongst the rest thanks to the team’s genuine warmth, hospitality, and authenticity. As External Relations Coordinator at Book Harvest, my new role will help support both the marketing and advancement sides of the o

Book Harvest is delighted to welcome Gabby Bunnell as our new External Relations Coordinator.

“Do you have any books about goats?” a kindergartener asked me. I guided him to a table featuring a book about animal homes. Success! He eagerly grabbed it and slipped it into his bag to take home.

At Book Harvest, we know that a home library is more than a collection of books—it’s a foundation for a child’s future. And every home library needs a place to grow. That’s why we were so thrilled to partner with Hope Renovations on a special project for our Book Babies families: building custom bookshelves.

Restocking the Family Space: Elliot and Safia Share the Joy of Books Books fly off the shelves in our Family Space every day—and that’s...

From laundromats to health clinics, parks to waiting rooms, our Book Hubs are now part of everyday life across Durham and beyond. Join June and Phoebe as they install our 100th hub!

Smiles, Selfies, and Shipments: How Riley Life Delivers More Than Just Books At Book Harvest, we know that getting thousands of books...