Craven County Partners In Education and Books-A-Million Launch Book Purchasing Program for Pre-K thr

Partners In Education (PIE) is proud to partner once again with New Bern’s Books-A-Million (BAM) to offer our community an opportunity to support literacy in Craven County Schools. From July 19 through August 16, 2026, community members can visit Books-A-Million at 3005 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to purchase books for Craven County Schools’ classrooms through the annual Book Purchasing Program.

Abi Hopkins, General Manager at Books-A-Million, emphasizes the impact of the initiative: “The most successful way to improve the reading achievement of our children is to increase their access to print. Communities that rank high on achievement tests have key elements in common: an abundance of books in public libraries, easy access to books throughout the community, and a rich selection of books in classrooms.”

Hopkins adds, “Last year, our generous community purchased 779 books totaling $10,819, exceeding our goal of $10,000 in book purchases. We live in a giving community, and I am confident we will meet - and exceed – that goal again this year.”

Brandy Popp, PIE President, notes the program’s focus: “Books-A-Million approached us about increasing access to high-quality books in our classrooms. Our goal is to focus on Pre-k through grade 5 students to support early literacy development.”

The list of suggested books for purchase is available at cravenpartners.com and in-store at BAM. Please note that book purchases must be made in person at the BAM location; online purchases are not eligible for this program.

Books purchased by community members will be distributed to Craven County Schools Pre-K through grade 5 teachers during a Book Giveaway Event, hosted at Books-A-Million from August 18 to August 26, 2026, or until supplies last, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. A formal announcement will be sent to Craven County School System teachers in early August. Teachers must present their school ID to receive the donated books.

PIE is committed to enriching the educational experience for all students in the Craven County School System by providing grant funding and special programs. BAM shares this mission by working to increase literacy in our community and ensuring that teachers have access to the best educational materials available.

For more information about this event or how to support PIE, contact Suzanne Gifford, PIE Executive Director, at 252-259-5610 or Suzanne.Gifford@cravenk12.org. Visit the PIE website at cravenpartners.com to learn more about this program and the list of books available for purchase at BAM.

Since 1988, Partners In Education has been changing the lives of students and families by providing our educators with the resources they need to enhance and reward innovative approaches to educational excellence.