The City of Methuen and Nevins Library are proud to announce the launch of the Methuen Literacy Partnership – a citywide initiative designed to improve early childhood literacy and close reading gaps. Modeled after the successful Haverhill Promise campaign, this new effort seeks to mobilize families, educators, librarians, city officials, businesses and community organizations so that every Methuen child reads proficiently by the end of third grade.
The Methuen Literacy Partnership officially launched last month with strong support from Mayor DJ Beauregard, state Rep. Ryan Hamilton and Nevins Library leadership. To lead the work and build the foundation of its strategy, the partnership has engaged the consultancy of Dr. Jessica Kallin, who specializes in collective impact, educational equity, community engagement and strategic planning. Kallin is the former executive director of Haverhill Promise and currently works for Lawrence Public Schools. She will be working alongside her assistant, Jessi Magee, who specializes in youth development, program implementation and community impact.
The City of Methuen, in collaboration with Methuen Public Schools and Nevins Library, is proud to announce this joint effort as a major fiscal priority in the city budget, demonstrating deep investment in Methuen’s youngest learners.
“We started this project two years ago, knowing that communities with higher literacy rates have more civically involved citizens, wealthier and healthier citizens, that these communities have lower crime rates, a more productive workforce, with more opportunities for growth,” said Methuen School Committee member Mary Beth Donovan-Grassi, who is on the Partnership’s Steering Committee. “As a former (Tenney Grammar School) principal and teacher, I know that many see the responsibility of teaching reading and promoting literacy as mainly belonging to the schools. This initiative aims to change that mindset. Educating and involving the community about the power of literacy is the foundation of MLP.”
Recent data reveals that more than half of Methuen’s first- and second-graders — and 40% of third-graders — are reading below grade level. These alarming statistics underscore the urgency of the Partnership’s mission: to ensure all Methuen children are equipped with strong reading skills fundamental to learning, opportunity and long-term success.
As the city’s official Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, the Partnership will align evidence-based programs, family engagement opportunities, volunteer recruitment, book access, and community events into a united and equity-focused literacy strategy across all of Methuen. The goal is to build a comprehensive ecosystem of support for children from birth through elementary school.
“The Nevins Library has been working for years to grow a culture of reading, unite the whole community and invest the energy of our residents into our city’s future,” said Nevins Library Director Krista McLeod. “Launching the Methuen Literacy Partnership is the next big step – bringing together all stakeholders to ensure every child can succeed.”
Through Dr. Kallin’s leadership, the Methuen Literacy Partnership will launch a listening tour to ensure that Methuen’s literacy plan reflects the voices and needs of the community. Parents, educators, business leaders, civic groups and residents are invited to share their perspectives and play an active role in building the city’s literacy action plan.
“As we launch this critical work, our top priority is to listen deeply and engage Methuen so we build a literacy strategy that fits the city’s diverse needs from the very start,” said Kallin. “That’s what makes the Methuen Literacy Partnership so special — it’s truly Methuen’s campaign, built by and for the whole city. Reading and language are how we access the world —and each other. We aren’t just giving children the tools for success; we’re weaving stronger connections and opening doors to a brighter, more united Methuen for everyone.”
“We need you!” is the Partnership’s urgent appeal — join a strategy session, volunteer at events, share your voice, make an impact in identifying what programs are needed and help create a brighter future for the city’s youth.
“Reaching every child will take the commitment of our entire community,” said state Rep. Hamilton, also a Steering Committee member. “By working together across neighborhoods, organizations and families, we can create a Methuen where every child has the tools to thrive.”
