 |  |
Media Contact: Book Harvest Benay Hicks Chief External Relations Officer benay@bookharvest.org, 857-225-5039 | Media Contact: Durham Public Schools Crystal Kimpson Roberts Director of Strategic Communications crystal_roberts@dpsnc.net, 919-402-6441 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Books for K Goes Districtwide in Durham, Putting Ten New Books in the Hands of Every Kindergartner
DURHAM, N.C. (October 1, 2026): This October, every kindergartner in Durham Public Schools will choose 10 brand-new books to take home and keep. Book Harvest and Durham Public Schools (DPS) are partnering to bring Books for K to all 32 DPS elementary schools, the first time the program has reached every kindergartner in the district.
Through Books for K, approximately 2,300 kindergartners will receive more than 23,000 books. Students select their own titles from a wide range of high-interest books, including bilingual English/Spanish options, and bring them home to share with their families. Every book includes a QR code that connects parents and caregivers to reading tips, helping families build shared reading routines that support early literacy at home.
Books for K month kicks off on Monday, October 5, at Glenn Elementary School, with Books for K events continuing at elementary schools across the district throughout the month.
"Books for K welcomes every kindergartner to school with a book ownership celebration," said Ginger Young, founder and CEO of Book Harvest. "Each child selects 10 new books to take home to build their own home library, while parents receive literacy resources to support reading at home. This partnership with Durham Public Schools is historic: by reaching every kindergartner, Books for K normalizes book ownership at the moment that students start their school journey and creates a shared and joyful culture of literacy and excitement about reading."
"Providing books to kindergarten students and their families can have a meaningful impact on early literacy skills, family engagement, and school readiness. Having their own books makes reading even more enjoyable. We are grateful to Book Harvest for their partnership," said Dr. Anthony Lewis, DPS superintendent.
Book Harvest provides all books, materials, and training for the program, including branded book bags, event supplies, and resources for families. Designated staff lead Books for K events at their schools, making it a school-wide celebration of reading.
Books for K in Durham Public Schools is made possible with generous support from the Barnes Family Foundation and other community partners.
# # #
About Book Harvest:
Book Harvest holds a simple and powerful vision: that every child grows up with an abundant home library of books that they own, starting at birth. Founded in Durham, North Carolina, in 2011, Book Harvest has provided more than 3 million books to children and families. Book Harvest partners with parents, hospitals, school districts, and community organizations in North Carolina and across the country to help children build home libraries and to support parents as their children's first teachers. Learn more at bookharvest.org.
A home library for every child.
Access the Book Harvest brand guide, including logos, photos, and videos: https://bookharvest.org/media-kit/
About Durham Public Schools:
Durham Public Schools is one of the 12 largest districts in North Carolina, with 57 schools serving more than 31,000 students in the city and county of Durham with a vision of igniting the limitless potential of its students. It boasts two National Blue Ribbon Schools, 10 merit magnet schools, and a commitment to equity and excellence. Driven by its five-year Strategic Plan, DPS embraces, educates, and empowers every student to innovate, serve, and lead.
