What is North Andover Reads? - Marianne Peña

For five years, the organization North Andover Reads (NA Reads) has eluded me. I had never once heard of this group that has ties to many parts of our community. Going straight to the source, I recently met with Kathleen Keenan, Director of the Stevens Memorial Library, to get a better understanding of what NA Reads is truly about.

NA Reads is a community reading program, which is a very broad group that encompasses a series of programs in North Andover. One of its main goals is to spark conversations and emphasize a sense of unity in towns everywhere. The leaders of NA Reads and the librarians of our schools and Stevens Memorial Library all gather to find ways to get people actively talking or participating in activities that have a positive impact. Creating events, content, and hosting reading discussions help foster engagement, so NA Reads plans activities that join people and push them to interact with each other.

The wide array of activities and programs offered by NA Reads are open to everyone. Events are inclusive, considering age, interests, and availability. Books are one of the central interests of the organization, and they offer a selection of books with all reading levels in mind that relate to the year’s theme. Each fall, a new theme is chosen. This year’s theme is “First Neighbors, Still Neighbors.” This theme surrounds Native American heritage in hopes of creating a better understanding for our first neighbors.

Although the name, NA Reads, sounds like it only caters to the bookish people of North Andover, there are many more projects that are available to everyone. The organization offers opportunities for children to create fun artwork relevant to the theme. As an example, North Andover’s elementary school students recently created pieces to be displayed in the Stevens Library and around their schools. Not only are there fun arts and crafts projects for children but the group offers other things such as public speakers and web content to supply people with ideas that spread good influences. On November 18, speakers Claudia Fox and Debby Irving hosted a talk exploring how the U.S.’s narratives have shaped our understanding of more complex ideas about society and beginning to include Indigenous people in the conversation.

Additionally, there is media available on the North Andover Reads website, including recorded book talks and traditional food recipes. NA Reads also collaborates with local groups, such as with the high school’s History Club, in creating a display of the stereotypes that are harmful to Native Americans today, bringing awareness and consciousness to the subject. Of the many ways people can participate in the pursuits that NA Reads offers, they remain a group inclusive of everyone, with RAISE [Respect, Achievement, Inclusion, Service, Empathy] values at the forefront of every endeavor.

Groups like NA Reads are important to cultivating strong communities. Today, it is so essential to find ways to get together and express ideas, stories, and opinions. NA Reads is a great tool when it comes to connecting with others. When stress in life persists, it is refreshing to have a group that provides relief, builds communities and supports local programs.

Photos courtesy of Kathleen Keenan:

Link to NA Reads Web: https://stevensmemlib.libguides.com/NARFall2021/home