'Book Nook' for Children Opening on Bunker Hill Street

Charlestown's PROMISE to all Children, formerly Charlestown Early Childhood Cluster, is kicking-off its expanded work to improve early childhood experiences for all Charlestown children  in two ways:

• With the opening of the PROMISE Children's Book Nook at Kennedy Center on 55 Bunker Hill St. next month;
• And a "Bedtime Stories" event on March 29 at the from 5:30-7:30.

The PROMISE Children's Book Nook will be a lending library that will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so all families have access to books to bring home. The books will be donated from Read Boston, Smart from the Start, and community donations (information about how to donate below). Since, early reading experiences so greatly impact children's development PROMISE is committed to making reading material reach every child in Charlestown.

What does PROMISE stand for?  PROMISE stands for Charlestown Parents and Providers Reaching Out for the Most Successful Early Education for ALL Children

PROMISE is committed to providing education, resources and opportunities so all Charlestown children have rich early childhood experiences in all areas of development and growth. It's open to all community members interested in supporting young children.

Currently, the representatives from Charlestown preschools are involved including Kennedy Center, Tiny Tots, Child Focus, MGH Children’s Center, MGH Children’s Quarters, Good Shepard School and Charlestown Nursery School as well as representatives from Smart from the Start, Charlestown Community Center, ABCD, Dennis McLaughlin House, Child Development and Education Center.

PROMISE is planning events, activities and materials for caregivers, parents and educators including the book nook, a cultural concert, exercise events, media-free week, bedtime routines and healthy breakfasts.

How can you donate children's books, rocking chairs, bookshelves or other materials? If you would like to donate children's books you can drop them off at these locations:

• Kennedy Center, 55 Bunker Hill Street or 23A Moulton Street, Charlestown
• Charlestown Nursery School, 124 Main Street, Charlestown

For more info or to get involved,  email kmcdonough@kennedycenter.org or call 617-241-8866.

This information was submitted to Patch in a press release.