MARTA and Page Turners Host “Reading and Riding” Family Day at Decatur Station

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | July 28, 2025

In a joyful celebration of literacy, learning, and community, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has teamed up with Page Turners Make Great Learners to host “Reading and Riding Family Day” on Saturday, August 2. The free event, taking place at the east entrance plaza of Decatur Station from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., promises an engaging experience for children and families just in time for the back-to-school season.

Designed to foster imagination and encourage early childhood literacy, the family-focused gathering blends books, music, creative expression, and community engagement—all centered around the theme of “Reading and Riding.”

Derrick Barnes Headlines the Day

Award-winning children’s author Derrick Barnes headlines the event with a live reading from his latest book, I Got You – A Brother’s Promise. Known for uplifting Black youth through powerful, affirming stories, Barnes is expected to draw a crowd of eager young readers. The first 100 families in attendance will receive a free copy of the book, with the opportunity to have it personally signed by the author.

Local Vendors, Celebrity Guests, and Hands-On Fun

The local, independent bookstore Brave and Kind Book Shop will also be on site, offering additional children’s titles for purchase and encouraging families to build their home libraries.

Photo by Milton Kirby Bunnie Hilliard Brave & Kind Bookshop owner

Adding a hometown celebrity flair, Atlanta recording artist Trinidad James is slated to make a special appearance. As part of his “Reflections Sundays” initiative, he will lead a mindfulness moment to help children center themselves and prepare for a successful school year.

No summer event is complete without a cool treat—MokiPops, a local family-owned business, will provide free popsicles to kids in attendance.

Creativity in Motion

Young creatives can also dive into storytelling with Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), which will offer a “Create Your Own Comic Book” station. This hands-on activity allows children to write and illustrate their adventures, combining literacy with artistic expression.

Adding to the excitement, MARTA staff will host a prize wheel featuring fun back-to-school giveaways, including custom Breeze cards. A live DJ will keep the energy up with music throughout the event.

Community Collaboration for Student Success

The event reflects MARTA’s broader commitment to education and family-friendly service initiatives. “We are proud to partner with Page Turners Make Great Learners to bring this exciting, literacy-focused event to our Decatur community,” said a MARTA spokesperson.

“Reading and Riding is all about creating positive experiences for young riders and encouraging them to view public transportation as a place for learning and growth.”

Page Turners Make Great Learners, an Atlanta-based nonprofit, has long focused on providing engaging reading opportunities and author interactions to boost literacy outcomes among underserved youth. Partnering with MARTA adds a new dimension—connecting education to everyday experiences like riding transit.