Supporting Chatham Education Foundation and the Power of Books on Break

At BOLD Foundation, we believe strong communities are built by investing in the people who call them home. One of the most meaningful ways to do that is by supporting education, literacy, and programs that give children the tools they need to grow with confidence.

That is why BOLD Foundation is proud to support the Chatham Education Foundation and its Books on Break program, a local initiative that helps Chatham County students build their home libraries and keep reading throughout the summer.

What Is the Chatham Education Foundation?

The Chatham Education Foundation, also known as CEF, works to support students, teachers, and schools throughout Chatham County. Through programs focused on literacy, classroom resources, creative teaching grants, emergency needs, and student success, CEF helps fill important gaps and create more opportunities for children across Chatham County Schools.

One of CEF’s signature literacy efforts is Chatham Reads, a program created in partnership with Chatham County Schools. Through Chatham Reads, CEF hosts Books on Break, a series of free book fairs at elementary schools in low-income and rural areas. These book fairs give students the chance to choose books they are excited to read and take them home to keep.

Why Books on Break Matters

Access to books can have a powerful impact on a child’s confidence, curiosity, and academic growth. Unfortunately, many students do not have books readily available at home, especially during the summer months when school libraries and classroom resources are less accessible.

According to the Chatham Education Foundation, two out of three children living in poverty do not have books in their homes. More than 80% of children from economically disadvantaged communities can lose one to three months of reading skills over the summer, creating a gap that can become harder to close over time.

Books on Break helps address that challenge by making reading materials available before students leave school for summer break. Pre-K through 1st grade students receive five books each, while 2nd through 5th grade students receive four books each. Book boxes are also distributed to teachers in 6th through 8th grade classrooms.

Just as importantly, students get to choose the books they want to take home. That sense of ownership matters. When children are able to pick stories, topics, and characters that interest them, reading becomes something personal, enjoyable, and worth returning to throughout the summer.

A Program That Continues to Grow

Books on Break began in 2016 at two schools, where students took home close to 5,400 books. Since then, the program has continued to expand its reach across Chatham County. In 2024, Books on Break served eight locations and helped students take home more than 14,000 books.

Schools are selected based on the percentage of students receiving free and reduced lunch, helping ensure the program reaches children and families who may have limited access to books, school libraries, or public library resources during the summer. Research shared by CEF notes that just 15 to 20 minutes of reading a day can help counteract summer learning loss.

How BOLD Foundation Helps

BOLD Foundation is honored to support the Chatham Education Foundation through a donation that helps purchase books for the Books on Break program.

For us, this is more than a donation. It is an investment in students, families, teachers, and the future of Chatham County. By helping provide books for children to take home, we are supporting a program that encourages literacy, builds confidence, and gives students access to stories and learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Building a Stronger Future Together

The Chatham Education Foundation’s work reminds us that small, thoughtful investments can make a meaningful difference. A book chosen by a child at a school book fair may become part of a summer routine, a favorite story, or a stepping stone toward stronger reading skills.

We are grateful for the work CEF, Chatham Reads, Chatham County Schools, and the many volunteers do to bring Books on Break to life each year. Their efforts help make sure more students have access to books, more families have resources at home, and more children have the opportunity to keep learning all summer long.

BOLD Foundation is proud to play a small part in supporting that mission.

To learn more about the Chatham Education Foundation and Books on Break, visit the Chatham Education Foundation website.