This summer the Storymobile program resumed for in-person programming at 20 locations. While we were not able to open our Storymobile locations up to the public like in the past, we were happy to be able to visit childcare programs with storytelling and new books. We were also able to provide virtual storytelling to 6 childcare programs and provide new books for those children.
We continued our Storytime Live on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings at 6 PM on our Instagram account. Storytime Live viewership has increased by 50%. Storytime Live on Wednesdays is dedicated to supporting the Boston Saves program. The children’s books that are chosen are meant to help teach children about financial literacy and concepts related to college and career training. To join us, tune in on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6 PM on https://www.instagram.com/readboston.
ReadBoston’s “Loads of Books” program has expanded to Maytag Homestyle Laundry located at 143 Dorchester St in South Boston. This is our newest location to support our effort to end book deserts. We are still looking to expand our “Loads of Books” program. If you know of a location that could be a good fit for this program, please let us know!
We were happy to partner with Thumbprint Cares again this summer for their Back to School Backpack Giveaway event in Dorchester’s Codman Square. Over 600 children received backpacks and books to help them get ready to head back to school.
The Daddy & Me Book Club had special guest Kash Cannon from the Boston Celtics read “Crown: An Ode To The Fresh Cut” by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James.
We also supported the No Books No Ball organization by giving away books to children in attendance for their “Picture Day” at Michael L. Bivins Basketball Court in Roxbury.
In support of the King School Back-to-School BBQ on August 26th, we set up a table for students and families to choose books to add to their at-home libraries.
If your school or organization is looking for ways to support early literacy instruction, please email ReadBoston@boston.gov.