New Haven’s historic Green turned into a giant outdoor classroom this Friday as roughly 1,300 children gathered for the LEAPs Read-In — a joyful celebration of literacy that drew an impressive lineup of community leaders, including the Mayor, the Governor, and state and congressional representatives.
The event, organized through the LEAPs program, brought together kids from across the city for a shared reading experience right in the heart of downtown New Haven. Having more than a thousand young readers assembled on the Green at once made for a remarkable sight — and a powerful statement about the community’s commitment to children and education.
The turnout of elected officials alongside so many young participants underscored how broadly supported the initiative is, spanning city hall, the state capitol, and neighborhoods throughout New Haven. Events like the Read-In help build a culture of literacy during the summer months, when learning can easily take a back seat to vacation.
It was a bright, community-driven moment for New Haven — one that put kids front and center and reminded residents that the city’s Green remains a gathering place for all ages.
Sources: Patch