Durham Celebrates "City of Books Month" with Book Harvest Reopening

Book Harvest, a local nonprofit children’s literacy organization, opened its newly expanded headquarters on Wednesday.

More than 150 community members, supporters, children, and local dignitaries attended, including Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams and Durham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis. During the event, Williams declared September as “Durham: City of Books Month.”

Kids laughed and played in the background as Williams said: “Just listen to the future. Can’t you hear it? That is our most cherished thing to protect and nurture in this city. The best tool you can equip them with, that will truly empower self and human sustainability, is teaching them to read. They have to be able to stand on their own. And in order to do that, they need the right tools and resources. They have to know how to read. This is the City of Books. I’m grateful that Bull City is the City of Books.”

The ceremony included a ribbon-cutting that officially marked the reopening of the space, which was renovated and expanded over the summer to better serve the needs of families and volunteers. The expansion was underwritten by an anonymous donor.

“We are thrilled to unveil and welcome dear friends to our newly upgraded space, which reflects our community’s passion for our cause and our deep commitment to every child’s thriving,” said Ginger Young, founder and CEO of Book Harvest. “This expansion makes so much possible and will allow us to pursue with vigor our big dream that every child grows up with an abundant home library starting on Day One and continuing over the critically important first decade of life.”

Guests were treated to guided tours of the new facilities, including the expanded Family Space, which now provides more room for older children to read, relax, and play. The new Volunteer Center was also highlighted, showcasing the enhanced space where volunteers will sort and prepare books for children in Durham and beyond.

The reopening marks a significant milestone in Book Harvest’s 14-year journey as the organization continues to grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs of the local community. The expanded space will allow Book Harvest to increase its capacity to serve more families and further its mission of literacy and justice for all.