The Cobb County Public Library and Cobb County School District (CCSD) have launched the third year of their summer literacy program, Books2Keep. The program, supported by over 35 donated boxes of books, uses the Helen Poyer Cobb Library Bookmobile to distribute free books to children across the county, as per the Cobb County website.
Allyson Eads, Community Engagement Librarian, and John McLaughlin, Media Specialist at Kell High School, lead the program with the goal of keeping students engaged with reading over the summer. Books given out include special Books2Keep stickers to mark their participation in the program.
The Bookmobile, funded by the Cobb Library Foundation, includes features such as wrap graphics, bookshelves, an ADA lift, free Wi-Fi, and a social media presence. It received national recognition last year with the Preschool Outreach and School Services Inspirations Award from the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS).
Books2Keep also receives support from the community. Local schools hold book drives, including JROTC students at Campbell High School. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History has also contributed. McLaughlin helps expand the program’s reach by coordinating related educational events at library branches.
The program kicked off its summer route at the Cobb Safety Village, where more than 800 people attended the opening event. Books2Keep continues to provide access to reading materials and aims to encourage literacy throughout Cobb County.
