Finding Solutions: Book bash event aims to prevent summer reading loss in Augusta children

6/12/26, 12:00 PM

Original story at https://www.wrdw.com/2026/06/12/finding-solutions-book-bash-event-aims-prevent-summer-reading-loss-augusta-children/

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Thousands of children could fall behind in reading this summer, but local organizations are working to prevent that.

Rise Augusta is one of four local organizations addressing the issue.

“When someone doesn’t have a lot of money, books are down on the needs list. The book bash is a way to launch kids and their families into the summer and give them free books,” Laurie Cook, executive director of Rise Augusta, said.

Cook said reading together year-round is one of the best ways to keep kids from falling behind over the summer.

“It’s so important just to talk and relate to your child. Sitting them on your lap and reading to them. Even if you are not a great reader, just tell stories together,” Cook said.

Rise Augusta provides free basic literacy tutoring to more than 500 children each year. The group received a $25,000 grant to keep kids learning.

“We’re just overjoyed because over 91% of the kids that are in a literacy program that is sponsored by Rise Augusta improved their literacy rates, and that is incredible,” Cook said.

More than 40 children are enrolled in Rise Augusta this summer. Resource Director Eleanor Slaby said it’s great to watch kids improve their literacy skills.

“It’s just a positive atmosphere all together and the volunteers get to see that light bulb turn on and the children, once they grasp the phonics they have it forever,” Slaby said.

Rise Augusta partnered with United Way, the Harris Literacy Center and AmeriCorps for Saturday’s book bash. The event is at the Hub, located off Chafee Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The free event allows families to walk away with multiple books.

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