Student success is directly linked to literacy. According to the latest data from the Georgia Council on Literacy, 62% of third-graders are not reading on grade level. The findings come as state lawmakers consider the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, which aims to improve literacy through several approaches and strategies. 

“Closer Look’s” February installment of “Coffee Conversations was held at  The Ke’nekt Cooperative, located in the Westview neighborhood. Host Rose Scott talked with several guests, including children’s book authors. They discussed community-center resources and programs geared toward improving literacy rates in Georgia and read excerpts from children’s books. Guests included:

 

Kiyomi Rollins, the owner of The Ke’nekt Cooperative

Gayle Hunter Holloman, the executive director of Fulton County Library System

Caroline Ahmann, owner of the Beloved Books Bookmobile

Allyson Eads, a community engagement librarian for the Cobb County Public Library System

Dr. Nicola Chin, a pediatrician at Morehouse Healthcare and a Reach Out and Read Clinician

Alex Ryan, the founder of Alex in Wonderland, LLC, and the author and creator of “Zina Bina Learns the Value of Money” 

Dr. Breanna J. McDaniel, an educator, speaker and author of the book “Go Forth and Tell”

Shelly Anand, an author of “Laxmi’s Mooch”

Reem Faruqi, an award-winning author of “Lailah's Lunchbox”

Student success is directly linked to literacy. According to the latest data from the Georgia Council on Literacy, 62% of third-graders are not reading on grade level. The findings come as state lawmakers consider the<a href="https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72842"> Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026</a>, which aims to improve literacy through several approaches and strategies.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Closer Look&rsquo;s&rdquo; February installment of &ldquo;Coffee Conversations was held at <a href="https://www.thekenekt.com/">&nbsp;The Ke&rsquo;nekt Cooperative</a>, located in the Westview neighborhood. Host Rose Scott talked with several guests, including children&rsquo;s book authors. They discussed community-center resources and programs geared toward improving literacy rates in Georgia and read excerpts from children&rsquo;s books. Guests included:
&nbsp;
Kiyomi Rollins, the owner of<a href="https://www.thekenekt.com/"> The Ke&rsquo;nekt Cooperative</a>
<a href="https://www.fulcolibrary.org/meet-our-team/">Gayle Hunter Holloman</a>, the executive director of Fulton County Library System
Caroline Ahmann, owner of the<a href="https://www.belovedbooksbookmobile.org/"> Beloved Books Bookmobile</a>
<a href="https://georgialibraryassociation.org/Georgia-Library-Spotlight/13563037">Allyson Eads</a>, a community engagement librarian for the Cobb County Public Library System
<a href="https://www.msm.edu/about_us/FacultyDirectory/Pediatrics/NicolaChin/index.php">Dr. Nicola Chin</a>, a pediatrician at Morehouse Healthcare and a Reach Out and Read Clinician
Alex Ryan, the founder of Alex in Wonderland, LLC, and the author and creator of &ldquo;<a href="https://theatlantavoice.com/teach-kids-value-money/">Zina Bina Learns the Value of Money</a>&rdquo;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.breannajmcdaniel.com/">Dr. Breanna J. McDaniel</a>, an educator, speaker and author of the book &ldquo;Go Forth and Tell&rdquo;
<a href="https://www.shellyanand.com/about">Shelly Anand</a>, an author of &ldquo;Laxmi&rsquo;s Mooch&rdquo;
<a href="https://reemfaruqi.com/about/">Reem Faruqi</a>, an award-winning author of &ldquo;Lailah's Lunchbox&rdquo;

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.