Community Stories / November 16, 2024 · Macon, Georgia
Macon Bar Association Honors Katie Powers and Book ’Em
The 2024 Liberty Bell Award recognizes a decade of sharing books and building trust in Macon-Bibb.
Katie and Jeff Powers celebrate Book ’Em’s 2024 Liberty Bell Award.
On November 15, 2024, the Macon Bar Association recognized Katie Powers and Book ’Em’s work for young readers, presenting its 2024 Liberty Bell Award to the nonprofit. Katie, Book ’Em’s founder and director, accepted the honor during the association’s meeting.
The recognition celebrated a local effort that began with a simple idea in 2014: put new books into children’s hands while building trust between young people and law enforcement.
Ten years of books and connection
Working in partnership with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Book ’Em brings childhood and youth literacy together with opportunities for positive connections. A book giveaway gives children something of their own to read and a chance to get to know the deputies who serve their community.
By the time of the award presentation in November 2024, Book ’Em had provided close to 75,000 new books to children of all ages across Macon-Bibb during its first ten years.
The support behind the work
Katie’s vision has been sustained by the support of her husband, Jeff Powers, along with Powers Law Group and the Powers Family Foundation. Their contributions provided the bulk of Book ’Em’s funding during that first decade, helping turn an idea into an ongoing community effort.
Book ’Em also received close to $20,000 in grants over those ten years from organizations including the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, LBA Ware/BrewFund, and State Farm.
This honor reflects the work of everyone who has helped make those book giveaways possible: our sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. We are grateful to the Macon Bar Association for recognizing that shared commitment to Macon-Bibb’s children.
Moments from the celebration
Photographs from the November 15 meeting. Select any image for a closer look.
Katie Powers shares Book ’Em’s story with the Macon Bar Association.
A moment from the Liberty Bell Award presentation.
A shared moment during the recognition of Book ’Em’s work.
The 2024 Liberty Bell Award presented to Book ’Em.
Members and guests gather for the Macon Bar Association meeting.
Photography by Larry Najera / GoRound Media.
Help put the next book in a child’s hands
You can be part of Book ’Em’s work. Make a donation or contact our team to help bring new books to children in Macon-Bibb.