Atlanta, Georgia, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Join Bright Horizons at Atlantic Station for a free community literacy event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Growing Readers program. The event will feature local author Lola Schaefer, live story time, and interactive activities aimed at fostering a love of reading among children. Additionally, a book drive will collect 25,000 books for underserved families. Everyone is welcome to empower families and promote literacy in the community.
Atlanta, Georgia – Bright Horizons at Atlantic Station is hosting a free community literacy event on Saturday, September 20. This event celebrates the 25th anniversary of the national Growing Readers program, aimed at cultivating a love for reading among children.
The event will feature local author Lola Schaefer and include activities such as live story time and other interactive experiences designed to engage families. The primary goal of the event is to empower families, expand access to books, and help children build a lifelong love of reading.
Additionally, Bright Horizons at Atlantic Station will participate in a nationwide book drive in partnership with the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children. The initiative aims to collect 25,000 books for families in underserved communities, allowing them to benefit from increased access to literacy resources. Donations for the book drive will be accepted at all Bright Horizons locations from August through December. Supporters can also make donations online at JustGiving.com.
All families are welcome to attend this enriching event. Alongside the special activities, attendees can learn about Bright Horizons’ Growing Readers program, which provides monthly book recommendations and storytelling tips for parents. Research has shown that reading helps young children develop compassion and acceptance through exposure to diverse authors and illustrators. The initiative is committed to closing the early literacy gap and fostering a culture of reading among children.
In summary, the Bright Horizons at Atlantic Station’s literacy event on September 20 is not just a celebratory occasion but also a critical opportunity to encourage families to embrace reading and support literacy initiatives in their communities. The presence of a local author, interactive activities, and a nationwide book drive all contribute to achieving these essential goals.
Event Details:
- Location: Bright Horizons at Atlantic Station
- Date: Saturday, September 20
- Features: Live story time, author appearance, interactive experiences
- Donation Timeline: August to December
- Book Drive Goal: 25,000 books
- Open To: All families
Background on Growing Readers Program:
Bright Horizons’ Growing Readers program offers valuable resources for parents, including monthly book recommendations and storytelling techniques. This initiative enhances children’s exposure to diverse literature, ultimately cultivating positive societal attributes such as compassion and acceptance. This program plays an integral role in bridging the early literacy gap, ensuring that children develop a passion for reading from an early age.
FAQ
What is the event hosted by Bright Horizons at Atlantic Station?
The event is a free community literacy event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the national Growing Readers program.
When is the event taking place?
The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 20.
Who will be featured at the event?
Local author Lola Schaefer will be featured at the event.
What activities will be included in the event?
Activities will include live story time and other interactive experiences.
What is the goal of the event?
The goal of the event is to empower families, expand access to books, and help children build a lifelong love of reading.
Is there a book drive associated with the event?
Yes, the center will participate in a nationwide book drive aiming to collect 25,000 books for families in underserved communities.
How can donations be made for the book drive?
Donations for the book drive are accepted at all Bright Horizons locations from August through December, and online donations can also be made at JustGiving.com.
Who can attend the event?
All families are welcome to attend the event.
What resources does the Growing Readers program provide?
Bright Horizons’ Growing Readers program provides monthly book recommendations and storytelling tips for parents.
How does reading help children?
Reading helps young children develop compassion and acceptance via diverse authors and illustrators.
What is the focus of the Growing Readers initiative?
The initiative focuses on closing the early literacy gap and encouraging a love of reading in children.
Event Summary Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Free community literacy event |
| Date | September 20 |
| Celebration | 25th anniversary of the Growing Readers program |
| Featured Guest | Local author Lola Schaefer |
| Key Activities | Live story time, interactive experiences |
| Book Drive Goal | Collect 25,000 books |
| Donation Period | August through December |
| Open To | All families |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Bright Horizons Event Announcement
- Local Literacy Organization Annual Benefit
- Goddard School World Record Reading Event
- Atlanta Rap Stars Financial Literacy Tour
- November Events in Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Literacy
- Google Search: Literacy Events
- Google Scholar: Literacy Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literacy
- Google News: Literacy Initiatives

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.


