Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui Reads Favorite Stories at Monthly Children’s Book Reading with Cambridge Public Library

From January through May 2021, Mayor Siddiqui partnered with Cambridge Public Library to host Virtual Story Time with the Mayor to read some of her favorite books to our youngest Cantabrigians. Parents and caregivers were encouraged to join their children in listening to stories such as Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry and All Because You Matter by Tami Charles, both read in February to honor Black History Month.

“Reading to young children is so important to help develop their language skills and increase their curiosity about new ideas and different perspectives,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “It was important to me to connect with our young residents in a fun and educational way. I am thankful to Cambridge Public Library for hosting me and these monthly virtual book readings and look forward to collaborating again in the future.”

Virtual Story Time with the Mayor reached Cambridge families in their homes, giving the Mayor a special opportunity to connect with young learners and read a variety of different books written by a diverse set of authors.

“We are honored when the Mayor takes time from her busy schedule to participate in a program that speaks to our core mission,” said Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries for the City of Cambridge. “We thank the Mayor for being such a great champion of reading and early literacy skills.”

"Watching our youngest library users connect so closely with their Mayor during story time has been inspirational," said Julie Roach, Manager of Youth Services at the Cambridge Public Library. "They have had opportunities to learn everything from what a Mayor’s job entails to what the Mayor's favorite kind of dinosaur is!"

The last of this series, for now, is scheduled for Thursday, May 20th at 4pm. Mayor Siddiqui will be reading A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin to honor AAPI Heritage Month and The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfield to raise awareness about mental health month. You can register to join here.

Previous books through this initiative the Mayor has read and encourages others to read include:

• Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
• Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shange
• Hair Love by Matthew Cherry
• All Because You Matter by Tami Charles
• Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

For more information or questions, please contact Adelina Atamer, Community Outreach Manager for Mayor Siddiqui at aatamer@cambridgema.gov.