‘Library Dads’ in Atlanta build brotherhood through books

Atlanta: What started as a weekly library trip with his 4-month-old daughter has grown into a citywide community of fathers.

Khari Arnold, a Georgia native, founded “Library Dads” after his outings with daughter Ariah became a keystone in their relationship. The visits not only gave them special bonding time, but also helped Ariah develop early literacy skills.

Arnold thought other dads might want the same camaraderie and began inviting fathers with children of all ages to join.

Now, when the group descends on a local library, the message is simple: dads show up.“Bonding through books and building brotherhood” has become the group’s alliterative motto and a regular entry in dozens of Atlanta dads’ calendars.

“It was eye-opening to see other dads like myself who are engaged, and it was motivating as well,” Kassell Scott, father to 3-year-old Amahle, told CBS News Atlanta.

Derrick Lampkin has been bringing his sons, Dominique and Tristan, for the past year and recently started bringing his 7-month-old daughter, Madeleine Sophia, too.“We continue coming because it shows my boys that dads show up,” Lampkin said. “They’re there, and it’s a good community.”