The planning committee for Chelsea Family Literacy Day Celebration, gathering this Saturday at the Chelsea Public Library, includes (from left) Cate Johnston representing Raising A Reader of Massachusetts, Margo Johnson from MGH Chelsea, Sarah Gay who serves as children’s librarian at the Chelsea Public Library, Robert Collins in his role as executive director of the Chelsea Public Library, and Ronald Robinson of the Latimer Society.
The 8th Annual Family Literacy Day: Chelsea Reads will draw an anticipated crowd of more than 800 young people this Saturday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Chelsea Public Library.
What began with just 65 participants in its inaugural year has blossomed into one of Chelsea’s most beloved weekend activities for families and children, gaining prominence and attendance with each passing year.
As Robert Collins, the Library Director, notes with satisfaction, “It has gotten so big that we’ve had to expand it to two floors of the library,”
The underlying mission of Family Literacy Day has remained consistent since its inception, according to Sarah Gay, the Children’s Librarian at CPL. The event aims to engage young readers through hands-on, interactive literacy activities while showcasing the diverse resources available through participating organizations.
Participating organizations span a wide range, as detailed by Margo Johnson of MGH Chelsea HealthCare Center, a founding organizer and key figure in the event’s development. The roster includes CAPIC, Chelsea Family Network, MGH Chelsea, Chelsea Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, Raising A Reader of Massachusetts, Boston Museum of Science, A Kangaroo’s Pouch, REACH Program, BHCC Child Focus Center, Latimer Society, St. Rose School, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and Chelsea Community Connections.
Collins emphasizes that “To get all these different groups to buy into the event and participate in the planning and do an activity in these busy times when everyone is so stretched – that’s what impresses me the most,” “There is no territorialism in Chelsea. Everyone chips in. If these groups didn’t buy into it, this event would not happen. It’s teamwork.”
The Chelsea School Department and City Manager Jay Ash have demonstrated their commitment to the event. Serving as celebrity guest readers will be Superintendent Dr. Mary Bourque, alongside School Department official Gerry McCue, Chelsea Cable TV Executive Director Robert Bradley, Police Chief Brian Kyes, Officer Sammy Mojica, Sgt. David Flibotte, Centro Latino Executive Director Juan Vega, former School Committee member Elizabeth McBride, State Rep. Eugene O’Flaherty, and State Sen. Sal DiDomenico.
Support from Chelsea High School will come through the Interact Club, directed by teacher Ilana Ascher, as well as the National Honor Society, both of which will provide volunteer assistance throughout the day.
Attendees will experience an afternoon filled with interactive reading stations, arts and crafts activities, character appearances including Shrek, Ernie, and Burt, and entertainment geared toward children of all ages.
Ron Robinson, executive director of the Latimer Society, reflects on the event’s appeal by noting that “We try to encourage guests to visit all the sites that are here on Literacy Day,”
A highlight of the day involves distributing bags of new books to every child in attendance—a meaningful contribution from the organizing committee that resonates especially with parents.
What accounts for the significance Family Literacy Day holds within the community?
According to Robinson, “I’ve always felt that in this diverse community it’s vital to stress the importance of literacy and the joy of reading books,”
Johnson adds her perspective: “We saw the need to educate all our children about what a great institution the Chelsea Public Library is in our city and the increase in circulation and the number of library cards that are being issues affirms that Family Literacy Day has had a lot do with increasing the popularity of our library,” “But most importantly Family Literacy Day is Fun.”
This year’s celebration honors the memory of Liz Atkins, who passed away at age 23 in 2007 and was deeply devoted to books and reading. Johnson maintains Atkins’s legacy through her portable book store and other community initiatives, distributing books bearing Liz’s label as a tribute to her memory.