United Way of the CSRA to host Book Bash 2026 in Augusta

5/23/26, 12:00 PM

Original story at https://theaugustapress.com/united-way-of-the-csra-to-host-book-bash-2026-in-augusta/

United Way of the CSRA, in partnership with The Hub for Community Innovation, RISE Augusta, AmeriCorps and the Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center at Augusta University, will host Book Bash 2026 on Saturday, June 13.

The free event is aimed at helping students maintain access to reading materials during the summer months to help prevent the “summer slide,” a term used to describe learning loss over summer break.

Book Bash will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Hub for Community Innovation, located at 631 Chafee Ave. in Augusta.

According to organizers, the event plans to distribute 1,500 book bags, with each child receiving approximately five to six books to help build personal home libraries. Books will be available for readers ranging from infants to high school seniors.

In addition to book giveaways, families can participate in games and activities, enjoy food and connect with community vendors offering resources and entertainment.

“Literacy is the foundation of all future success,” said Brittany Burnett, president and CEO of United Way of the CSRA.

Burnett said partnerships with local organizations help provide educational support for students during the summer months.

“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,” Burnett said.

Organizers are encouraging families to pre-register for the event using the link provided here (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=jRpwLCJDmkmA4MObQlIh6r91Uo5wqSROvacJeBYctXtUQzU0SFBHV1NaR1lGM1BPNEtINjM1VkhCRi4u&route=shorturl) to help speed up check-in.

United Way of the CSRA said the initiative supports its broader goal of improving education, financial stability and health outcomes across the region, including its effort to impact 30,000 ALICE households by 2030.

The organization also noted that more than 8,000 books were distributed during last year’s Book Bash event.