Nevins Library launches Methuen Literacy Partnership to boost early reading

The Nevins Library and partners on Sept. 8 introduced the Methuen Literacy Partnership, a community campaign that aims to ensure every Methuen child is reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

Krista McLeod, director of the Nevins Library, told the School Committee the library has long offered adult and family literacy programs and has worked with the district and local organizations to scale a citywide effort.

Jessica Callan, who will serve as campaign lead, said the effort is informed by national grade‑level reading campaigns but will be locally shaped. “Right now, over half of first and second graders in Methuen and 40 percent of Methuen third graders are reading below grade level,” she said, and the campaign will start with listening sessions and needs assessments so local strategies are tailored to Methuen children.

Callan described an equity‑focused, evidence‑based approach that centers family engagement and access to books. McLeod and Callan invited residents to a launch and Nevins Library book sale on Sept. 27 and said more information is at methuenreads.org.

Committee members asked whether the campaign focuses on K–3; Callan said the metric at launch is third‑grade reading proficiency but the initiative will remain in discovery mode to define local scope. McLeod said the Nevins Library will administer the campaign and collect donations; details about book donations and a donate page will be posted on the campaign website.

Ending: The committee welcomed the partnership and members encouraged community participation at listening sessions and the Sept. 27 Nevins Library event.