August 11, 2014 – Hammond Public Library
Members of Hammond Reads, Inc., participated in the Back-to-School Fest on Aug. 2, sponsored by The Gate Church in Hammond. Board members gave away 546 children’s books and 153 adult books, plus pencils, bookmarks, and tips on reading and literacy.
Participating were Nancy Machnikowski of the School City of Hammond; Alice Vockell of Woodmar-Hammond Kiwanis; Sheila Rezak of Purdue University Calumet; Sue Carroll of Hammond Parks and Recreation; and Hammond Reads president, Clint Turpen, of REGIONAL Federal Credit Union, and his wife, Kelly.
The mission of Hammond Reads is to build a city of readers. The organization distributes books to families participating in the WIC program; to children at kindergarten round-up events; and at community events such as Bizarre Bazaar and the Pampered Woman Show. Hammond Reads sponsors an essay contest each year, and also partners with Hammond Rotary and Teachers Credit Union to provide dictionaries to all third grade students in Hammond. Members also participate in the Northwest Indiana Literacy Coalition’s Time Out for Reading, and in Books to Bridge the Region. Information is at www.HammondReads.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HammondReads .