Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH) continues to promote literacy and community engagement throughout Coatesville by making books more accessible to children and families. One of the most impactful ways they’re doing this is through the Chester County Imagination Library, which offers families the opportunity to sign up their children under the age of five to receive a free book in the mail every month until their fifth birthday. This program, entirely free for families, is a wonderful way to build a love of reading at home from an early age. Flyers with QR codes are available in both English and Spanish to make sign-up simple and accessible for all.
For children over the age of five—and readers of any age—AHHAH also supports access to books through the PULL (Pop Up Lending Libraries) program. These small lending libraries are scattered throughout the community, stocked with books that anyone can take, read, and return or replace. The motto is simple: “Grab a Book, Read a Book, Share a Book.” These stations are lovingly maintained each month by volunteers like Pete DiMaio and Ginger, who serve as PULL Stewards in Coatesville. Their dedication to refilling and cleaning the stations keeps them vibrant and inviting for the community. (Erin will be sharing photos of Pete and Ginger in action.)
Another key partner in this literacy mission is the CCIU Vocational Support Child and Career Development Center. For the past three years, students from the Discover Team have been coming weekly to the PULL Donation Center at CC-OIC. Under the guidance of Donna Dutzer, Scott Laudenslager, and Amy Smith, these students help sort, label, and prepare books for distribution. According to Scott, “these books provide meaningful work for our students and they really enjoy it.” Their involvement not only supports the PULL program but also offers students valuable hands-on experience and a sense of contribution to the community.
AHHAH’s literacy initiatives are entirely volunteer-driven, and there are many ways for community members to get involved. Volunteers are always needed to serve as PULL Stewards, restocking and tidying the book stations. Others might lend their skills to help build new PULL Stations or bring a creative touch by painting them. Anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to reach out to Erin, the PULL Coordinator in Coatesville, at Erin@artsholdinghandsandhearts.org.
To further support these efforts, AHHAH invites the community to participate in a special Dine and Donate event on May 1. When you dine at Sovan Bistro or The Pear on that day, a portion of the proceeds will go directly toward supporting AHHAH’s literacy programs. It’s a simple way to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a great meal.
Through these programs, AHHAH is creating a culture of literacy, connection, and community support. Whether it’s a child receiving their first book in the mail or a neighbor picking up a book from a PULL Station, every small act contributes to a more engaged and empowered community.
