The Housing Authority of the City of Goldsboro (HACG) is proud to continue its partnership with the National Book Foundation's Book Rich Environments (BRE) program for the second year! Since 2022, this initiative has played a crucial role in transforming "book deserts" into vibrant, literary-rich communities, ensuring that children and families have access to a diverse collection of books.
Through this partnership, HACG is committed to:
-
Building home libraries by providing residents with free books.
-
Hosting exciting book-distribution events that engage families and encourage a love of reading.
-
Connecting families with local libraries and reading resources to promote ongoing literacy development.
Making an Impact in the Community
As one of only two agencies in North Carolina participating in the BRE program, HACG has taken on the responsibility of addressing the issue of limited access to books and libraries. In its first year, HACG exceeded expectations by distributing over 1,500 books through several literacy-focused events, including:
-
Books, Bikes & BBQ Kickoff Event
-
Back-to-School Bashes in each community
-
Halloween and Christmas literacy celebrations
These efforts align with HACG's mission to provide resources that enrich residents' lives and create an environment that fosters self-sufficiency and personal development.
National Partners and Program Structure
The National Book Foundation's BRE program is made possible through collaborations with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Education, the Urban Libraries Council, and the National Center for Families Learning. This nationwide initiative is implemented in more than 50 HUD-supported communities across the country and focuses on three key components:
-
Book Distribution - Providing free, high-quality, diverse books to children and families living in HUD-assisted housing.
-
Library Engagement - Encouraging families to connect with their local public libraries and participate in literacy programs.
-
Partnership Building - Strengthening relationships between public housing authorities, local libraries, and literacy organizations to create sustainable reading initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As HACG enters its fourth year with the BRE program, the organization is excited to continue its mission with an expanded calendar of events that will place books directly into the hands of children and families who need them the most.
If you are a resident in need of books or want to learn more about our literacy initiatives, please contact Resident Services at 919.735.4226 ext. 1301. Together, we can create a community rich in stories and opportunities!