The HUB on Chafee Avenue was filled with eager families on Saturday at Book Bash 2025, a free community literacy event.
The event was made possible by partnerships with United Way of the CSRA, RISE Augusta, The Harris Literacy Center at Augusta University, Augusta Partnership for Children, Inc./Family Connection and United Way of the CSRA Americorp.
Blending reading with fun
Besides being able to enjoy games, face painting and appearances from princesses, guests were able to walk away with books – thousands were given away for free to enthusiastic readers of all ages, thanks to donations from the community.
Sharonda Williams, Americorp VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) leader with United Way of the CSRA, said that 1,500 book bags filled with reading materials were given away to children. Books for all ages were available – from beginner reader books like “Chicka Chicka 1,2,3” and “Corduroy” to full length novels like “Twilight” and “Harry Potter.”
Williams shared her perspective on the importance of inspiring children to read even after the school year has ended.
“Our focus is to help them love learning, get excited about it, and just continue reading during the summer,” she said.
The importance of youth literacy
She added that it’s crucial for children to learn the foundations of reading between kindergarten and first grade; otherwise, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to help them catch up with their peers.
“It is so hard to get them established because that is a major foundation in our school system,” said Williams.
She said that college preparation starts much earlier than high school.
“It starts actually at birth when parents are talking to their children and immersing them in a rich language, where then they can start connecting words,” she said.
Williams encourages families to continue fostering a love of reading in their children by visiting their local libraries and participating in their summer events.
“The library is such a beautiful resource because it’s free to anyone, regardless of age, regardless of background, regardless of how much money you make. It’s really the only institution you go in, and there’s no expectation of you spending money,” she said.
