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Cambridge Public Library and The Cambridge Housing Authority introduce unique partnership


6/5/20176 years ago

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Cambridge Public Library and The Cambridge Housing Authority introduce unique partnership to promote literacy in Grades 1-4 

CAMBRIDGE, MA – June 5, 2017 – The Cambridge Public Library is proud to partner with the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), the Department of Human Services and the Cambridge Public Health Department to bring more books to children living in HUD-assisted housing. Together they will host literacy themed library parties at various locations throughout Cambridge. 

The goal of this program is to increase awareness of the Library system in Cambridge, get more children signed up for library cards and to generate excitement for the Library and children checking out their own materials at a young age. 

“We are pleased to partner with the Cambridge Housing Authority, the Department of Human Services and the Cambridge Public Health Department to host library parties for families with their grade school children who live in CHA homes or take part in their programs,” said Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries. “We hope this will raise awareness and strengthen the connection to library resources for these families.” 

The Library will provide diverse, high quality books and other literacy tools to children and families to improve literacy outcomes and ensure all young people, regardless of background, have the tools they need to reach their full potential. This is part of a national initiative developed by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (GLR), the National Book Foundation (NBF), the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to transform the Public Housing Authorities into “book-rich environments.” 

“The Cambridge Housing Authority partners with a diverse range of city agencies and nonprofits to deliver services that increase our resident’s opportunities for sustained educational and economic success,” said John Lindamood, the CHA’s Director of Resident Services. “The promotion of early literacy development is among the most important tasks we undertake, and this new collaboration with the city will go far in helping to strengthen the connection between our families and the wealth of resources the public library system has to offer.”

To kick-off this partnership, the Library and CHA will hold the following events throughout the City to reach a broad range of families:
June 7th - On early release day the Central Square Branch will host a party with snacks, a scavenger hunt, library card sign-up and a free book giveaway.
July 19th – Partnering with the Agenda for Children, the Library will participate in the Cambridge Story Walk.
September 30th - At the Corcoran Park Housing Authority the Library will host a party in the central building with snacks and activities. Staff will sign children up to get a library card and explain services that are offered at the Library.