Book Harvest, the Durham-based nonprofit known for its early literacy work, is teaming with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina to put free children’s books into the hands of families in every county across the state.
Through the new collaboration, Blue Cross NC will distribute books donated by Book Harvest at community events in all 100 counties, with a focus on supporting families and promoting early literacy as a foundation for long-term health.
“At Book Harvest, we know that literacy begins at birth, in the home, powered by parents and nourished by books,” said Ginger Young, founder and CEO of Book Harvest. “We’re thrilled to partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield NC to ensure that families across North Carolina have abundant access to books that inspire and empower young readers.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort to link reading with overall well-being, particularly among young children. Blue Cross NC’s Medicaid plan, Healthy Blue, will play a central role in the rollout, coordinating the distribution of books at public events and health outreach efforts.
“This partnership underscores the power of books to bring families together and promote early literacy and health outcomes for children,” said Angela Boykin, CEO of Healthy Blue. “We are proud to work with Book Harvest to connect families with resources that set the foundation for a lifetime of success.”
The new partnership builds on Book Harvest’s longstanding goal of ensuring that every child has access to an abundant supply of books at home – regardless of ZIP code. The organization has distributed more than two million books since its founding in 2011, and its model has received national and international recognition for linking literacy to educational equity and health.
More information about Book Harvest and its programs is available at bookharvest.org.
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