Free children’s books are now available at Friendly Laundromat in the North End thanks to Wash & Read, an initiative of United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Women United.
Established in 2018, Wash & Read gives underserved families access to free children’s books. Wash & Read partner sites designate space for “reading corners,” where young visitors are encouraged to read and take home free books to build their personal library. Wash & Read sites provide an opportunity for parents and children to read together while doing their laundry.
“Teaming up with Women United to add Wash & Read to our laundromat is a great way to support the families who frequent our facility,” Friendly Laundromat owner Steve Neto said.
The average family spends 2.5 hours washing their clothes in a laundromat, many of which are located in low-income neighborhoods where access to books may be limited. Wash & Read supports children and families overlooked by traditional literacy programming.
“This initiative and our Women United members are committed to ensuring all children have access to free, age-appropriate books,” said Paula Montgomery, Women United Director at United Way. “It is critical to increasing literacy, which is a core focus for Women United.”
Women United adopted the project, started locally by the B to 3 Partnership in New Bedford and inspired by the Laundry Cares Foundation and the Coin Laundry Association. Women United is investing resources, recruiting laundromat owners, and teaming up with the New Bedford Free Public Library to ensure a consistent delivery of free, high-quality children’s books.
Book drives supporting Wash & Read take place throughout the year at local businesses and with Women United members gathering donations from family and friends. Since its inception, Wash & Read and has given out more than 4,000 books.
Other participating laundromats include Bush Cleaners on Dartmouth Street, E-Z Clean on Summer Street, and Wash World locations on Acushnet Avenue, Rodney French Boulevard, and Kempton Street.
Women United plans to expand the Wash & Read program to Wareham in 2022.
United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Women United is a diverse, powerful and passionate network of women who influence positive change in our community through focused investment of time, talent, and resources. Women United members are a unique, driven, and diverse leadership community. Learn more at www.unitedwayofgnb.org/women-united.