The Chatham Education Foundation is honored to receive a $2,500 gift from Brightspeed to support its Books on Break program, helping ensure students at Chatham County Schools’ rural and Title I schools have access to books throughout the summer.
Books on Break is a free summer book fair program that provides students with the opportunity to choose and keep 4–5 books of their own. The program helps combat summer learning loss and encourages a lifelong love of reading by putting high-interest books directly into students’ hands.
Brightspeed’s support builds on a strong and growing partnership with CEF and its Chatham Reads program. Earlier this year, Brightspeed also funded the installation of a new Little Free Library in Siler City and the community ribbon-cutting celebration.
Heather Bochicco, Chatham Reads Program Specialist, emphasized the importance of this ongoing collaboration. “We are so grateful for Brightspeed’s continued support of Chatham Reads,” said Bochicco. “From helping us place a Little Free Library in Siler City to supporting Books on Break, this partnership is making a real difference in keeping Chatham kids reading all year long.”
“Brightspeed is proud to support initiatives that strengthen the communities we serve,” said Tali Kulbeda, Head of Local Marketing and Partnerships at Brightspeed. “Access to books and literacy resources is essential, and we’re honored to work alongside the Chatham Education Foundation to help students succeed.”
In 2026, Books on Break will serve more than 2,400 students at eight elementary and K-8 schools (including Pre-K classrooms), one community site, and—new this year—Chatham’s three NC Pre-K classrooms that are not located within Chatham County Schools. Chatham Reads’ staff thoughtfully select brand-new, high-interest fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels to ensure each student will find books that interest them. In addition to financial support from community partners, the program is made possible by volunteers who help set up the fairs and guide students through the selection process. It is a joyful experience for students and volunteers alike—students leave excited about reading and eager to dive into their new books, while volunteers get to witness the excitement of children choosing books of their own.
Third grade reading proficiency is one of the strongest predictors of long-term academic success. Chatham Reads—a program of the Chatham Education Foundation and Chatham County Schools—brings together schools, volunteers, and community agencies to increase book access, reduce summer learning loss, and create enriching literacy experiences—so every child in Chatham County has the foundation to succeed.
Thanks to support like Brightspeed’s, CEF continues to expand its Books on Break program to reach more students and families across Chatham County—helping build stronger readers and brighter outcomes all summer long.
For more information about the Chatham Education Foundation and its programs, visit www.chathameducationfoundation.org.