Melrose Reads Program & Melrose Public Library Launch Community-Wide Book Read
The Melrose Reads Program, in partnership with the Melrose Public Library and Melrose Public Schools, is excited to launch the come-back of a community-wide book read!
The Melrose Community-Wide Book Read program is designed to encourage Melrose residents to have a shared experience of reading the same book and participating in workshops, discussions, and cultural events related to that book.
This year, the Community-Wide Book Read selection is American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures, by America Ferrera. It is a collection of short personal narratives written primarily by people in the public arena (actors, artists, activists, athletes). The title was chosen intentionally as the short story format offers individuals multiple engagement points because participants can read just one story or read them all (allowing for a variety of perspectives to be included).
Ferrera’s collection is published in a range of formats, from large print to audio books, so it is easy to access for most. Likewise, the narratives range in complexity, with some appropriate for students as young as middle grade readers.
Due to the pandemic, many Melrose community members may continue to experience isolation and loneliness. The Melrose Reads Program aims to bring residents together through the shared experience of engaging with a book. The goal of the program is to promote community education and engagement through a collective experience of literacy. This also creates excitement about books and discussion topics that nurtures a culture of literacy. Stories have the power to bring people together. Shared experiences create moments, no matter how small, of belonging, of a sense of community.
Potential activities include:
- Book listening events
- Book discussion sessions
- Writing workshops
- Live storytelling event
- Workshops/lectures/panel discussions
- Art exhibits and murals that incorporate relevant and book-related images and information
- Musical showcase of the period, region, or theme of the book
“We are so excited to launch the Community-Reads program within the Melrose community. We love to read and after these rough past two years, we can’t wait to help bring people together over their love of books!” says Bonnie Clapp, one of the many individuals behind Melrose Reads.
“We are grateful to have the support of the Friends of Melrose Public Library as well as the Trustees of Melrose Public Library to help with the funding for Melrose Reads,” the organizers said. “Through their generosity, we will have over 50 paperback copies of American Like Me available at the Library, as well as audio books in a variety of formats. Additional copies are on loan from other libraries in the NOBLE [North of Boston Library Exchange] consortium.”
For more information on Melrose Reads, call or stop by the Melrose Public Library, 69 West Emerson St., Melrose, 781-665-2313, or e-mail melrosecommunityread@gmail.com.