In January, Cambridge Public Library and Mayor Siddiqui coordinated a drop off of 600 books to families living at 362, 364, and 402 Rindge Avenue. Cambridge Public Library provided children's books and young reader books for families in these buildings. During a time where Cambridge Public Library is closed to the public, this initiative provided these books directly to families.
"As a community, we are experiencing a time like no other, especially our children. It's important to encourage children to read and exercise their brains, while also building new connections and ideas of the world around them," Mayor Siddiqui said. "The habit of reading helps our youth learn about different people, places, and events outside of their own experiences. The 600 books we've dropped off in partnership with Cambridge Public Library will give families the ability to embark on many adventures together."
Having grown up at 362 Rindge Avenue, Mayor Siddiqui's special connection to these buildings and the families within them allows her to see firsthand how reading fosters knowledge, growth, and empowerment to the community.
"Access to books and other materials, especially to our young community members for whom access is challenging, is a top priority, says Director of Libraries, Maria McCauley. "I am pleased that through this book distribution program, in partnership with City Leadership and the Mayor's office, we are able to get books safely into the hands of kids during this stage of the COVID-19 health crisis."
"During the pandemic, the Library has come up with creative ways to provide families with books," said City Manager, Louis A. DePasquale. "This has included distributing books at various sites around the city, through its Kids Books to Go program, and to community members who sheltered at the War Memorial. I am glad that the Library and collaborators, including the Mayor's Office, are continuing to get more books to kids through this program."
This initiative furthers Mayor Siddiqui's commitment to ensuring families and children have the resources they need to thrive in Cambridge and is the first of many upcoming book distribution efforts led by the Mayor's Office and Cambridge Public Library throughout the city.
For more information, please contact Adelina Atamer, Outreach Manager | aatamer@cambridgema.gov