UTICA, NY— As part of our district’s unwavering commitment to promoting literacy and academic achievement, I am proud to announce the launch of “Utica Reads”—a community-wide initiative that reflects our mission to foster a lifelong love of reading and equitable access to books for all.

“Utica Reads” is more than a book-sharing effort; it represents a meaningful expansion of the Utica City School District’s literacy vision. Through this initiative, free-standing book boxes, built in-house by our talented Buildings & Grounds workshop team, will be installed at key locations across the city to encourage independent reading, book sharing, and family engagement in literacy.

The community book boxes will launch April 28 at various locations throughout the city—check our website soon for a complete list of locations. They are designed to be open and accessible to everyone—no library card, no due dates, no barriers. Simply take a book, leave a book, and join us in nurturing a city that reads together and grows together.

This initiative would not be possible without the generous support of our community partners:

• The Utica Public Library, for donating hundreds of books to help us fill the boxes with diverse, engaging reading material.
• The City of Utica, for identifying high-impact locations to ensure accessibility for all neighborhoods.

“Literacy is a cornerstone of educational equity and academic success. With ‘Utica Reads,’ we’re not just placing books in neighborhoods—we’re planting the seeds of curiosity, imagination, and lifelong learning,” said Dr. Christopher Spence, Superintendent of Schools. “This initiative reflects our belief that every child, every family, and every resident deserve access to the power of reading.”

As part of this community literacy effort, we are inviting volunteers to become “Utica Reads” Librarians—local champions who will help maintain and organize the boxes, making sure they stay clean, full, and welcoming for all.

How “Utica Reads” Book Boxes Work:

• - Take a Book: Choose any book that interests you—no cost, no sign-up.
• - Leave a Book: Share a favorite book by placing it in the box.
• - No Library Card Needed: Open access for all.
• - No Due Dates or Late Fees: Take it, return it, or keep it.
• - Books Are Free: For every age, every interest, and every household.

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To volunteer as a “Utica Reads” Librarian or to learn more about the initiative, please contact the UCSD Department of Buildings & Grounds at (315) 368-6840.

Together, let’s make Utica a city where literacy thrives—one book at a time.

Dr. Christopher Spence 
Superintendent of Schools  
Utica City School District