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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

EdNC is highlighting the experiences of educators, families, researchers, and advocates with a stake in North Carolina’s early care and learning landscape. These profiles illustrate that care and education are inseparable, especially in a child’s first five years — caregivers educate, and educators care. In this series, we refer to those profiled in the way they are known by their community.

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

Aaron welcomes two local nonprofits who are joining forces for an exciting new project that supports both of their missions at once.

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.

Book Harvest, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (NCDPI) 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), released the 2025 Summer Reading Engagement Report today.