STONEHAM READS
Who are we & What book are we reading this year?
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
Stoneham Reads is a community-building project in Stoneham, MA. All are invited to read the same book and participate in related activities to foster connections, promote an appreciation of our town, and have fun. Stoneham Reads seeks to build bridges by promoting reading, critical thinking, and community connection. As we join in reading, talking, and learning together, we feel we can make Stoneham a better place for all to live.
The Stoneham Reads project is a collaboration among town residents and community groups, sponsored by the Stoneham Community Action Network (CAN), and many other local organizations and businesses.
Banned Books Week Read-In 2025
Stoneham Public Library Lawn
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Stoneham Reads is once again hosting a community read-in to shine a light on the growing issue of banned and challenged books. Every year, thousands of attempts are made to restrict access to books in schools, libraries, and bookstores.
Book banning is not just about removing a title from a shelf—it threatens the very foundation of our freedom of expression. When voices and perspectives are silenced, our ability to think critically, understand one another, and engage in open dialogue is diminished.
Don’t have a banned or challenged book in hand yet? Check out the National Coalition Against Censorship’s RighttoRead recommendation and dive into “Chains” by Laurie Halse Anderson.
Join us as we show our support for protecting the right for all stories to be told. And enter our raffle for your chance to win a set of banned books!
OUR 2025 SEASON THEME
Year of No Garbage, by Eve O. Schaub
Stoneham Reads is once again igniting the spirit of literary exploration and community engagement with the launch of its annual program. This year, we proudly announce a theme that centers on both our town and the planet, exploring themes of sustainability and environmental stewardship: Stoneham Reads: Small Steps to Sustainability.
The Stoneham Reads program has been bringing residents together for the past several years through the shared experience of reading and discussing a carefully selected book. This year, we’ve elected to think about how we can individually and collectively be more sustainable, and support a healthy environment.
Mary Shannon:
“I'm excited to support the Stoneham Reads project because our stories bring people together. Our community is stronger when we learn about each other, and Stoneham Reads creates a space for learning and growth. As a social worker and a reader, I firmly believe that there is always a way to create change so long as there is thoughtful, compassionate communication.”
PAST YEARS
The first season of Stoneham Reads launched with a book focused on racial history and social justice: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds. Our second season was focused on the national bestseller Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. For our third season we engaged in community conversation around the themes in Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka.
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Email Address: stonehamreads@stonehamcan.org