What if all of Malden reads the same book?
Malden Reads: One City, One Book
Malden Reads is a community reading program in Malden, MA that seeks to answer that question. Organized by community groups, city leaders, and residents, in collaboration with the Malden Public Library and UMA (Urban Media Arts), the program invites the community of Malden to read the same book and participate in a series of events related to the book’s themes. The goals of the program are to promote literacy, a love of reading, an appreciation of city resources, and most of all, to build community in the city of Malden.
In addition to the main book selection each year, Malden Reads selects companion books for younger readers and English language learners so that everyone can participate in the annual program.
Malden Reads distributes free books and resources to schools, community programs and “Little Free Libraries” in Malden, offers the books in quantity and in a variety of formats for lending through the Malden Public Library, and provides sales of books at local events and locations.
Our signature events typically occur in the winter and spring each year. They include:
- Opening Celebration (kickoff event)
- Book Discussions
- Film Screenings
- Community Dinners at local restaurants
- “Sunset, Storytelling & Stargazing” on Waitt’s Mount
- Activities for Children, Teens & Families
- Unique capstone event
- Other social, cultural, and educational programs inspired by the book themes
We welcome new volunteers in any capacity! Whether one is interested in helping out at an event, participating with our book selection group, assisting with promotions & marketing, or serving on the steering committee, volunteer participation is vital to our success. We work hard and have fun doing it!
Malden Reads is made possible by the generous donations of local foundations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, community groups, and individuals. Please consider giving a donation, at a level that is comfortable to you, so that we can continue to provide books and literacy-related resources to local schools and children and offer quality programming for the whole community.
To hear about how we plan to stay connected to the Malden community, watch this year’s presentation to the Malden City Council and tune in to the discussion.
Malden Reads believes the following: The city that opens the same book closes it in greater harmony.
