West Hartford Adult Education’s English for Families and Futures program hosted the Read to Grow Bookmobile and representatives from local town services to promote family literacy on Wednesday morning. 

By Mia Jaworski

The event, held in collaboration with the Bridge’s Family Resource Center, began at 10 a.m. with free books, bubbles, family activities, a photo booth and opportunities to connect with local social services. Faxon Library staff also helped families learn about library programs and obtain library cards.

Held at Charter Oak International Academy, the morning event was designed for adult students in West Hartford’s English for Families and Futures (EFF) program and their children.

“We just want everyone to read,” said Claudeliz Martinez, bookmobile driver and representative of Read to Grow.

English for Families and Futures is a federally funded family literacy and English as a second language initiative that provides free English classes for parents. Meanwhile, the Bridge’s Family Resource Center offers educational activities for preschool-aged children, along with parenting support and education.

During the event, families had the opportunity to explore the Read to Grow Bookmobile, a mobile literacy unit operated by the statewide nonprofit Read to Grow, which works to expand access to books and promote literacy.

Based in Branford, Read to Grow travels throughout Connecticut, bringing books and literacy resources to families and communities. The organization’s mission is to build literacy from the very beginning, offering free books at key stages of a child’s early development. Families with newborns at partner hospitals receive a literacy packet with resources to support early learning. Through its First Year Project, families can also receive age-appropriate books and developmental guidance at three months and one year.

“With every book and every conversation, families lay the foundation for learning and connection. Because early words build lifelong possibilities,” the organization’s motto states.

Read to Grow offers books in 16 languages regularly and currently has books available in more than 20 languages, helping families encourage reading regardless of the language spoken at home.

Books distributed by the organization are purchased through grants or received as donations. Read to Grow also hosts author read-aloud events featuring some of the books it distributes, giving families opportunities to connect with authors and receive signed copies.

On Wednesday, during regular class hours, Martinez read a signed copy of The Knight Who Said “No!” by Lucy Rowland. Families gathered inside Charter Oak International Academy to escape the chilly October morning breeze.

Along with storytime, activities included a photo booth featuring favorite characters, snacks, music, bubbles and a lawn area spread with toys and blankets. A rainbow parachute offered another opportunity for children to play. Some of the activities and materials were created by other West Hartford Adult Education classes.

“We are so grateful to have this opportunity,” said Shelley Solomon, director of West Hartford Adult Education. “Connecting families with one another and to resources, and having this program, we are so lucky.”

Solomon, who brought her granddaughter to the event, also praised the adult education instructors, some of whom are retired or former teachers.

Representatives from Early Start West Hartford, West Hartford Social Services and the Bridge’s Family Resource Center attended to share information about local services. Faxon Library staff encouraged families to explore library programs and obtain library cards to continue reading beyond the event.

West Hartford Adult Education offers several programs, including English for Speakers of Other Languages, family literacy, citizenship classes, high school diploma preparation, adult basic education, the General Educational Development program and the National External Diploma Program.

Through English for Families and Futures, parents receive English instruction and learn life skills and family care while their preschool-aged children participate in educational activities provided through the Family Resource Center. The program meets twice a week.

Read to Grow also hosts online author read-alouds through its Popcorn and PJs program. The organization’s bookmobile is available for community events and can be requested through its website.

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