Atmos Energy is dedicated to fostering the curiosity and limitless potential of children by supporting Children’s Book Week. Through our Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities initiative, we aim to encourage young readers. Children’s Book Week holds significant importance for us, as we recognize that cultivating an early love of reading has numerous long-term benefits, including individual success, financial gains for communities, and improved workforce capabilities as well as mental and other health advantages.

Children’s Book Week will be celebrated on May 5 through 11 this year. The primary objective of this event is to foster a lifelong love of reading and to highlight the importance of children’s literature. This week provides an opportunity to spread the joy of reading and introduce children to books with global themes. It also encourages them to explore stories that offer diverse perspectives.

Atmos Energy supports Children’s Book Week through numerous initiatives, including sponsoring events like United Way Reading Day, providing free books, and partnering with organizations like Texas Health Resources and Scholastic to donate books to schools and hosting book fairs to promote early literacy. Since the partnership’s inception in 2022, this collaboration aims to distribute 20,000 free books to nearly 10,000 children across four counties in North Texas.

In March, Atmos Energy again sponsored United Way Reading Day throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Hundreds of students from Pre-K through 5th grade were shown the value of reading. “Today is a significant day. By reading to students, we help share stories, spark imaginations, build confidence, and open doors to a lifetime of learning,” said Garrett Newsom, Atmos Energy senior talent acquisition specialist.

Atmos Energy Public Affairs Manager Kimberly Smith said, “We are proud to support childhood literacy. It’s heartwarming to see the excitement when they realize they can choose their own books to take home. Our goal is to instill a love of reading and provide students with the resources needed to read at grade level.”

Atmos Energy also partners with Vooks, a streaming service that brings children’s books to life through animation and narrated stories. The library includes Spanish and other language titles, providing access to a diverse selection of children’s books for parents, teachers, and elementary students within our service area. Melissa Andersen, vice president of marketing and business development at Vooks, stated, "Every child deserves the chance to fall in love with reading. Yet today, 69 percent of fourth graders are reading below proficiency levels—a heartbreaking gap that can impact their future success. That’s why access to engaging, high-quality books like those on Vooks is so important. Through our partnership with Atmos Energy, we’re helping families spark that early love of reading. Together, we’re making a difference—giving children the tools to imagine, learn, and thrive for a lifetime."

During Children’s Book Week and every day of the year, Atmos Energy is proud to fuel bright minds and healthy futures for our kids by encouraging early literacy. To learn more, please review our Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report at atmosenergy.com/sustainability/community.