Communication Studies senior dedicated to literacy

Maggie George grew up on the Harry Potter books and “The Little Princess.” Now, through her work with First Book UGA, she’s helping to raise the literacy rate in Athens-Clarke County:

“I believe that every kid should have access to books. “It’s heartbreaking when you read about the summer slide that happens when kids don’t have access to books over the summer,” she said. “They come back to school, and they’re just so far behind other kids in terms of reading levels, and that is discouraging. And they keep falling back.”

First Book UGA fundraises throughout the year. The biggest fundraiser is Children’s Literature Trivia Night in November. The group then creates grants for the community to apply for each year. Librarians might request books for students to have over summer break or for books for a book club. The group also volunteers in local schools and works with the drama club at Alps Road Elementary.

After graduation

George already has two jobs lined up for after graduation. She’ll spend the summer as a residential counselor for the Duke Talent Identification Program and then start work as assistant hall director at the University of Tennessee, where she will be attending the School of Information Sciences to earn a master’s degree.

Her aim is to be a children’s librarian.

She’s always loved books and children. She worked at the library during high school. During her freshman year at UGA, she worked in acquisitions and serials stamping books in the basement of the Main Library.

Our libraries are a campus treasure and it's little wonder they can have the impact on George that they have. Still, it's a special person who connects their love for reading to children and their community. Maggie George is a special person. #greatpeople