Holyoke A City That Reads

Program Overview

Holyoke – A City That Reads Kicks Off 2019 Year

OneHolyokeCDC announces the
beginning of a new initiative focused on literacy in 2019, Holyoke – A City That Reads.
This is a campaign of several events and social media outreach intending
to improve literacy by modeling the value of reading for Holyoke's youth. Throughout
the year city leaders, teachers, students, and other influencers will share how
reading for pleasure and personal growth makes a difference.

The campaign will be spearheaded by
a photography project, where 52 city residents will share a book with which
they have a special connection. Holyoke photographer Dennis Marrero will create
portraits of participants with their chosen book along with a short personal
essay about their connection to it, to be posted on OneHolyoke CDC's website and
social media platforms.

All residents who have a love of reading, of all ages, are encouraged to submit their favorite book and be
profiled. In December 2019, one participant will be
selected and recognized as a Holyoke Champion of Literacy at the Community
Development Corporation's Annual Meeting.

As a CDC, OneHolyoke is committed to
help address important issues and bring Holyoke closer as a community. Literacy
is an essential skill for all, and it is one that has the ability to bring people together. Reading skills for
children are a key factor in improving neighborhoods and achieving economic
success.

Holyoke City That Reads will include several other
activities to promote literacy:
·
Gifting books to tenants in OneHolyoke
CDC's apartments.
·
Arranging no-cost family visits to
the Eric Carle Museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum

·
Bringing the National Players to
Holyoke High School to present a classic work of literature the students have
read during the school year. In May, 2019, Arthur Miller's classic The
Crucible, a tale of the Salem Witch Trials, will be performed.

Additional activities will be
announced through the year.

Founded in 1971, OneHolyoke CDC is a non-profit community
development corporation (CDC) serving Holyoke through its mission: "Every
resident of Holyoke should live in a dignified home and a safe, attractive
neighborhood. Everything OneHolyoke CDC does is intended to help fulfill that
need." CDCs provide an array of services aimed at Building Communities, Improving
Places & Transforming Lives.