Book Drive Launches To Fight Summer Reading Loss in Augusta

United Way of the CSRA has started gathering books for Book Bash 2026. The effort targets summer reading loss among kids. Partners include The Hub for Community Innovation, RISE Augusta, and the Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center, which will accept donations until May 22.

Organizers plan to distribute 1,500 book bags. Each child gets five to six books. The selection spans infant titles through high school books.

"Literacy is the foundation of all future success," said Brittany Burnett, President and CEO of United Way of the CSRA, per Augusta CEO. "By partnering with organizations like RISE Augusta and the Harris Literacy Center, we are able to meet the diverse needs of our students and provide the tools necessary to keep their minds active during the summer break."

The program fights summer slide, which is a pattern where students lose reading skills when schools close for months. Having books at home can combat this decline.

Book Bash is free. Any child can participate, regardless of age or reading ability.

This drive continues the work of the sponsoring groups, who support health, education, and well-being across the region. They've run this annual program for multiple years now.

Donations of new and lightly used books started on March 23. The window closes May 22, 2026.

Drop off materials at 1765 Broad Street in Augusta. The office accepts donations Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.