The Mayor’s Reading Club is a community-driven literacy initiative that positions mayors as visible champions for reading and early learning. Rather than creating a one-size-fits-all program, it provides a flexible framework that allows each city to build on its existing strengths and partnerships.

Through the program, mayors help elevate literacy as a community priority—supporting efforts that encourage children to read regularly, engage families in learning, and connect residents with local resources. Whether through school visits, public reading events, or citywide initiatives, the Mayor’s Reading Club helps make reading a visible and celebrated part of the community

Strong literacy skills are foundational to long-term academic achievement, workforce readiness, and overall quality of life. Yet many communities continue to face significant literacy challenges. In Georgia, nearly 65% of third graders are not reading on grade level—a key benchmark that can impact future success—and adult literacy gaps remain a barrier for many families.

Addressing these challenges requires more than classroom instruction alone. The Mayor’s Reading Club helps shift literacy from being solely a school responsibility to a community-wide effort. By engaging local leadership and partners, cities can create environments where reading is encouraged, supported, and accessible for all.

The Mayor’s Reading Club is designed to be adaptable to communities of all sizes and capacities. Participating cities can implement a variety of activities based on local needs and resources, including:

• Hosting reading events where mayors read to children in schools, libraries, or community settings
• Partnering with school systems, libraries, and literacy organizations to expand programming
• Supporting summer reading initiatives to prevent learning loss
• Encouraging family engagement and at-home reading
• Celebrating reading milestones and recognizing young readers

Mayors serve as conveners—bringing together educators, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to align efforts and maximize impact. This collaborative approach helps strengthen existing initiatives while creating new opportunities to support literacy.

GeorgiaForward provides participating mayors and their communities with the tools and support needed to successfully implement the program. Resources include:

• A starter kit with materials for reading events, including books and items to engage children
• Program guides, templates, and best practices to support local implementation
• Access to an online community network of participating mayors to share ideas and success stories
• Information on grants, partnerships, and funding opportunities
• Opportunities for recognition through social media and statewide communications

Each mayor is encouraged to identify a local program coordinator—such as a staff member, educator, or community partner—to help organize activities and maintain momentum. This structure ensures the program is sustainable and well-supported at the local level.

As part of the program, we have commissioned a children’s book series to teach young readers about local government. In the books Georgia Caroline and her classmates learn about their hometown of Happyville, Georgia, by visiting with and learning from city staff and elected officials about the services the city provides its residents. Books are available for purchase on Amazon . All proceeds from book sales are reinvested in the Mayor’s Reading Club Program.