Better Basics Reads 2025

On May 1, we kicked off Better Basics Reads in Birmingham City Schools — and what a day it was!

Thanks to our guest readers and volunteers, more than 10,000 students experienced the joy of a shared story and received a brand-new book to build their home libraries. From classrooms full of eager listeners to community leaders reading aloud, the day was filled with meaningful moments and big smiles.

📚 But we’re just getting started.
Our next Better Basics Reads event is in Fairfield City Schools on Tuesday, May 6 followed by Bessemer City Schools on Thursday, May 8—and we still need guest readers! If you’d like to read with a classroom and help us share the power of books, we’d love to have you.

Browse the gallery below to relive some of our favorite scenes from Birmingham — and thank you to all who made this day so special.