Free books and popsicles: Book Bus rolling through Bulloch County this summer

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - Children across Bulloch County will have opportunities to pick up free books this summer as the Bulloch County Literacy Council and Bulloch County Schools bring back the Book Bus.

The summer Book Bus program is designed to encourage reading and help children build their home libraries while school is out. At each stop, children can board the bus and select books to take home and keep at no cost.

Organizers say the program is part of a larger community effort to improve literacy and increase access to reading materials for children of all ages.

Families who are unable to visit a Book Bus stop can still access free books through one of more than 50 reading nooks located throughout the community. Children are welcome to select books from these locations and keep them.

The Bulloch County Literacy Council, made up of educators, business leaders, literacy advocates and community volunteers, works to improve literacy outcomes for children from birth through fifth grade.

The council’s Bulloch READ initiative focuses on:

• Reading: Encouraging the creation of community reading nooks
• Environment: Promoting literacy-rich environments
• Access: Increasing access to books and reading resources
• Development: Supporting early childhood brain development

Families can find the full Book Bus schedule, reading nook locations and additional literacy resources on the Bulloch County Schools website.

Summer Book Bus Stops

In addition to free books, Bulloch Solutions will provide free popsicles for children at select Book Bus stops. Look for the asterisk (*) for selected stops.

• June 2, 10 am-1 p.m.,
• Statesboro Urgent Car
• June 3, 1-2 p.m.,
• Morris Heights Apartments*
• June 4, 3-4 p.m.,
• Greenhaven Mobile Homes
• June 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.,
• Stilson Elementary*
• June 10, 12-2 p.m.,
• Pittman Park Church
• June 11, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.,
• Fletcher Park
• June 16, 11-12 noon,
• Madison Meadows Apts.
• June 16, 1-2 p.m.,
• Fox Ridge Apartments
• June 16, 2:15-3:15 p.m.,
• Blakewoods Apts.
• June 17, 12-2 p.m.,
• Mill Creek Elementary
• June 20, 12-9 p.m. 
• Juneteenth at Honey Bowen
• June 22, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.,
• Portal Middle High*
• June 22, 12- 4 p.m.,
• Portal Community*
• July 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.,
• Statesboro Urgent Care
• July 11, 12-3 p.m.,
• Statesboro Mall
• July 15, 11 a.m. 1 p.m.,
• Little Lotts Creek Apts.*
• July 25, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.,
• Statesboro Farmers Market
• August 1, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.,
• Statesboro High