By Mark Richardson
More than 30,000 free books are headed to Asheville families this weekend.
The American Federation of Teachers will host a family literacy fair on Sunday. The teachers union event will serve students, families and educators across western North Carolina.
Organizers say the fair is about more than books. It comes on the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene and will recognize the progress made since the storm.
AFT’s North Carolina President Joanna Loftis pointed out that the region is still recovering.
“Some teachers I’ve talked to have lost every book in their libraries,” Loftis noted. “I think this is a great way for us to be able to get books back in the hands of students and teachers.”
National AFT President Randi Weingarten will join union and community leaders and the local Read 2 Succeed nonprofit.
Part of a larger teachers union campaign
The giveaway is part of AFT’s Reading Opens the World campaign, which provides free books for both home libraries and classroom collections.
This weekend’s gathering will honor the region’s storm recovery efforts. Students, families, educators and community partners have spent the past two years rebuilding routines and learning opportunities. It aims to support young people still recovering from disruption and loss.
Loftis said Sunday’s contributions align with AFT’s long-term commitment to the nation’s students and teachers.
“Since 2021, AFT has held hundreds of Reading Opens the World events across the country,” she added. “They’ve distributed 11 million free books to families in need and support educators and school staffs in public schools.”
At the fair, families can choose free books and reading resources. It also will feature free food, music, games and family activities.
The Reading Opens the World Family Literacy Fair is from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Martin L. Nesbitt Jr. Discovery Academy in Asheville.
Related: Good News Friday: Eric Church is giving away homes in western North Carolina
