Celebrate Reading Opens the World at MATC

[MATC students pose with their Little Free Library]

In summer 2024, AFT Local 212 received a $5,000 grant from AFT’s Reading Opens the World initiative to launch a multiyear literacy campaign at MATC. Led by union members and supported by faculty, staff, and students, the project brings free, culturally and linguistically relevant children’s books to MATC families through five little free libraries—built by carpentry students, decorated by art students, and installed at each campus Children’s Center and the Little Stormers Village drop-in daycare.

This program has also provided grant-funded book sets to 64 Early Childhood Education students to help seed their future classrooms. The initiative, coordinated by Local 212 member, Anna Varley and others, is designed to be sustainable and student-centered—ensuring free books continue reaching the children of MATC students and staff. Read the full press release here.

Stay tuned for an upcoming event to celebrate a successful launch and share the project with the greater community!