Hammond Reads
Mission
Hammond Reads will promote literacy efforts by linking individuals and services in the community. By identifying, supporting and encouraging partnerships of service providers, we will further develop literacy efforts to improve and advance the educational opportunities for Hammond citizens. Through these efforts to energize the community, we will further acknowledge and celebrate reading as a fundamental part of life.
Hammond Reads is a member of Literacy USA and the Northwest Indiana Literacy Coalition.
Programs and Activities
Time Out for Reading kick-off event held at the Hammond Public Library
- An annual essay contest is conducted for youth K-12, adults and seniors. Recognition and awards
for the winners conclude each contest.
- "Time Out For Reading" is held each year on September 8, International Literacy Day.
All of Hammond is asked to "put their noses in books" and read that day. A breakfast for
community leaders kicks-off the event.
- Hammond Reads supports regional literacy studies and initiatives.
- Hammond Reads participates in regional literacy activities including the Northwest Indiana Literacy
Coalition, that organization's Executive Spelling Bee and Literacy Business After Hours events, The
Discovery Alliance, "One Region, One Book" and others.
- Book collections and giveaways are conducted at City of Hammond events.
- Tutoring in schools is facilitated through Hammond Reads.
- Through participation in partner organization events, such as Purdue University Calumet Health & Wellness Fairs, Hammond Reads raises health literacy awareness.
About Hammond Reads
On April 26, 2005, the Board Members of Hammond Reads held a celebration of their incorporation, new logo, and announced the Hammond Reads Essay Contest winners.
Hammond Reads was formed in 2001 to promote literacy and reading to the residents of Hammond, Indiana. Hammond Reads, Inc., was incorporated in Indiana in 2002 as a not-for-profit corporation and granted tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization by the I.R.S. in 2005. The founding members are the City of Hammond, School City of Hammond, Hammond Public Library, and Calumet Area Literacy Council. Hammond Reads is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors representing partner organizations:
- Books, Brushes & Bands for Education
- Calumet Area Literacy Council
- Calumet College of St. Joe
- City of Hammond
- Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council
- Hammond Adult Education
- Hammond Area YMCA
- Hammond Public Library
- NAACP
- Parents as Teachers
- Post-Tribune
- Purdue University Calumet
- School City of Hammond
- The Discovery Alliance
Organizations with a stake in literacy, reading and education are invited to join.
Annual Hammond Reads Essay Contest
The theme for the 5th Annual Hammond Reads Essay Contest is "What kind of book would I like to write?". The entry deadline is Friday, January 27, 2006 at 4:00 p.m., and you may turn in your entry at any Hammond Public Library branch or mail it to the School City of Hammond Administration Building, 41 Williams Street, Hammond, Indiana. Download the 5th Annual Hammond Reads Essay Contest flyer, print it out, and start writing your essay today!
Please call 219.931.5100 ext. 310 for more information.
Contact Us
If your organization is interested in participating in, or supporting the activities of, Hammond Reads
or if you would like information on Hammond Reads activities, please telephone the Hammond
Public Library at 219.931.5100 Ext. 310.
The Starfish
Every day, an old man walked the beach with a pail, picking
up starfish that had been washed Indiana by the tide, and throwing them
back into the sea. One day, a young boy stopped the old man and asked, "Why
do you throw the starfish back? It doesn't matter. They will only wash up
on the shore again tomorrow."
The old man picked up a starfish out of his pail, threw it as far as he
could into the sea, and replied, "It mattered to this one."
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Mini Grant Info ¦ Grant Application Form ¦ Past Recipients ¦ Affiliates ¦ Media ¦ Contact Us ¦ Site Map
Northwest Indiana Literacy Coalition
P.O. Box 3386
Munster, IN 46321