Reading with Children
Building family connection through books and shared stories
Keeping Families Connected Through Reading
For families experiencing incarceration, staying connected can be difficult.
Building on a well-established family literacy program at the Franklin County Jail, the successful Reading with Children pilot program gives incarcerated parents and grandparents an opportunity to record themselves reading a picture book. The recording and a copy of the book are then sent home to their child or grandchild, giving families something special to share even while they are apart.
"It was an amazing experience. At first I was hesitant but I’m super grateful that I did attend. The facilitators of the group were very amazing and helped me to understand the importance of reading to your children."
Program Participant
The Whole Book Approach
Reading with Children uses the Whole Book Approach, developed by the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.
The approach makes reading more fun and accessible, inviting readers to connect with the story and each other by discussing the art and design of each book.
A Community Collaboration
Reading with Children is a special collaboration between three local public libraries:
- Greenfield Public Library
- Belding Memorial Library, Ashfield
- Griswold Memorial Library, Colrain
Together with the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, these partners help make the program possible.
"We want them to leave here in a better state of mind... part of the problems are broken relationships with their family, broken relationships with their kids. We look to rebuild those things."
Sheriff Lori Streeter
Strengthening Families and Futures
Children with an incarcerated parent are six times more likely to experience incarceration themselves and are often referred to as the "hidden victims" of the justice system.
Reading with Children helps address some of the challenges these families face by providing opportunities to maintain relationships during separation. These connections can help ease the stress and stigma of incarceration while supporting family stability and successful reentry. At the same time, the program encourages literacy development, helping build skills that can open doors to a brighter future.
A Small Investment with Lasting Impact
Offered twice annually for less than $10,000, Reading with Children provides meaningful support to participating families at a cost that makes the program both accessible and sustainable.
By supporting positive family relationships and encouraging literacy, the program helps create a stronger foundation for the future.
"People who are currently incapacitated by being incarcerated will not be incarcerated forever. They're going to come back to your neighborhood... Do you want to have some better ideas about how they want to conduct themselves in the world, and be a community member, be a family person?"
Reading with Children Facilitator
Help Keep Families Reading Together
A book can provide more than a story. For families separated by incarceration, it can offer a meaningful way to stay connected.
Your support helps make these special moments possible. Please consider making a gift using the donation button below to help keep families reading together.