A new chapter is taking shape for the Read to Me Project as the Monterey County nonprofit opens its new headquarters and the first open space to the public in downtown Salinas at the corner of Main Street and West Alisal Street.
With a see-through window looking into the office space revealing its colorful mural taking up one wall, the 950-square-foot facility is a change from its former location of 10 years in North Salinas.
"Nobody ever saw us, and without seeing us, you can't ever trust us. And trust is really everything," says Executive Director Jason Little.
He knew the new space would cost more, but "I got two steps in here…and all I could see was our future in this location,” Little adds.
The Read to Me Project is dedicated to helping children and communities build stronger foundations through literacy .
Founded in 2011, the organization works with fourth- through sixth-grade students, educators, caregivers and community partners to make reading more accessible while helping young people develop confidence and lifelong learning skills.
The organization has developed a community-centered approach that includes reading support and partnerships with schools and educators.
Since 2011, Read To Me Project has served about 28,700 students with about 5,000 of those in the last year.
Last year, the program served 120 classrooms and it now works in 170 classrooms across 28 schools in 10 school districts and eight cities throughout the county. These cities include Salinas, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, Seaside and Marina.
Rather than simply being an office, the new space will also serve as a place for connection, collaboration and literacy-focused activities, according to Little.
Program Director Abbygale Gonzalez says the Read To Me Project is more than just providing books similar to a library. “We are providing coaching, workshops and our program coordinators go to the schools,” Gonzales says. “It's much more than just here's a book and do something with that. We teach you how to make, maximize, and really have [reading] become a life skill.”
The nonprofit also emphasizes leadership through literacy, encouraging children and families to see reading not just as an academic skill, but as a tool for confidence, communication and future success.
Grants to make the Read To Me Project possible come from the Community Foundation for Monterey County, Harden Foundation, Pebble Beach Company Foundation and Tanimura Family Foundation.
“The Read To Me Project is a really vibrant, fun, enthusiastic and very passionate group of people,” says artist Paul Richmond, who worked on the mural alongside artist Brenda Scettrini-Saglio.
The mural, made possible by the Arts Council for Monterey County, showcases children floating and flying while reading books through blue, pink and purple colors.
“So it means a lot to us to get to create art for people like that who we really believe in what they're doing, and just very proud to get to be a small part of the work that they're doing there,” Richmond adds.
As the Read to Me Project continues growing, the downtown office represents more than a new address. It is a place where literacy, families, educators and the community can come together, helping make reading a stronger part of everyday life in Monterey County.
Visitors can take free bilingual books and bilingual workshops for parents are available. The next workshop will take place on Friday, Oct. 2. The first session will be from 5-5:45pm and the second session will be from 6-6:45pm.
The downtown headquarters are open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm.