Fulton County Library System and Reach Out and Read Georgia Launch Books for Babies Partnership
The Fulton County Library System (FCLS), in partnership with Reach Out and Read Georgia and with the generous support of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation, is proud to launch Books for Babies—a new early-literacy initiative designed to support families and strengthen early childhood development across Fulton County from the very beginning of life.
This partnership reflects the Library System’s ongoing commitment to serving Fulton County’s youngest residents and their caregivers by meeting families where they are and connecting them early to the power of books, reading, and lifelong learning.
The first six months of a child’s life are a critical period of rapid growth and development. During this time, nurturing relationships between caregivers and infants lay the foundation for language development, school readiness, and long-term family well-being.
Through Books for Babies, families attending 2,357 well-visit checkups for babies from birth to six months of age at participating pediatric sites throughout Fulton County will receive a Books for Babies toolkit, which includes:
- A free baby book to begin building a home library
- Early-literacy resources for parents and caregivers
- Practical tips for reading with infants
- Information about local Fulton County Library System branches and services
By integrating books and literacy guidance into routine pediatric care, the program helps establish reading as a shared, everyday experience from a child’s earliest days—while also introducing families to their neighborhood libraries as trusted early-learning partners.
The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation plays a critical role in making Books for Babies possible. As the fundraising and advocacy partner for the Fulton County Library System, the Foundation works to expand access, equity, and opportunity through innovative programs that strengthen communities.
“Partnering with Reach Out and Read will allow us to connect with more families, build stronger communities, and promote healthier futures for the youngest children in Fulton County,” said Erin Dreiling, Executive Director of the Fulton County Library Foundation.
This initiative exemplifies the Foundation’s mission to champion the Library System and invest in programs that support literacy and learning at every stage of life—starting at birth.
Reach Out and Read Georgia leverages the nearly universal pediatric well-child visit to support caregivers in nurturing strong relationships with their children through shared reading. Pediatric providers offer guidance to families while giving children books that are developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant.
“We know that nurturing relationships and literacy in the earliest days and stages of a child’s life are critical to a child’s development,” said Amy Erickson, Executive Director of Reach Out and Read Georgia. “This partnership with the Fulton County Library System and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation is a win for Fulton’s youngest children.”
The Books for Babies program is being implemented at pediatric partner sites serving families throughout the county, including:
- TLC Pediatrics
- Grady Health System Family and Youth Clinic at the Ponce de Leon Center / Infectious Diseases Program
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding
- Norwood Pediatrics
- Kidcare Pediatrics, LLC
- Old 4th Ward Pediatrics
Through these trusted healthcare partners, the Fulton County Library System is extending its reach beyond library walls and ensuring that families are connected to literacy resources early and often.
About the Fulton County Library System
The Fulton County Library System serves more than one million residents across 34 library branches, providing free access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and lifelong learning opportunities for all ages. The Library System is dedicated to building stronger communities through literacy, learning, and equitable access to information. Learn more at fulcolibrary.org.
About the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation
The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation is the fundraising champion and advocacy partner for the Fulton County Library System. The Foundation supports innovative programs, expanded services, and long-term investments that help the Library System thrive and meet the evolving needs of Fulton County residents. Learn more at afplf.org.
About Reach Out and Read Georgia
Reach Out and Read Georgia integrates early literacy guidance into pediatric care to build strong family-child bonds and support school readiness. As part of a national nonprofit network, Reach Out and Read serves children in every state and is the only pediatric literacy model endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Learn more at reachoutandread.org/georgia.
Through Books for Babies, the Fulton County Library System—supported by the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation—continues to invest in the earliest chapters of our community’s story, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up surrounded by books, language, and learning.
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