Starlight Program Brings Joy of Reading to Children Across Western Mass.

SPRINGFIELD — The spring 2025 Starlight book deliveries wrapped up on May 23 after three weeks of distributing books to young children across the region, continuing the program’s mission to spark a love of reading and build home libraries. A total of 22,856 books were delivered to 43 public schools across Springfield, Holyoke, and Agawam, as well as 28 additional child-focused support service locations.

These locations include Head Start programs, Educare, early learning centers, Square One, Valley Opportunity Council, Boys and Girls Clubs, and YMCAs, reaching thousands of children where they learn and grow every day.

Each spring and fall, the Starlight program gifts four books to every participating child, for a total of eight books per year. The kids enjoy these books in the classroom and then take them home, so they can share stories with their families and keep the reading fun going.

The Starlight initiative, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, reflects Grinspoon’s enduring commitment to early childhood literacy and educational equity. By putting high-quality books directly into the hands of children, the program continues to support families, educators, and communities in fostering a lifelong love of reading.

“As always, we are so incredibly grateful for these book deliveries,” said Amy Roque, director of Early Childhood Education for Holyoke Public Schools. “Please thank all involved at Starlight, and Mr. Grinspoon, for this wonderful donation.”

Amy Stec, school director at Educare Springfield, added that “the children and our educators love these books. They continue to give joy well beyond the initial reading.”

With each delivery, the Starlight program continues its mission to ignite imaginations, support learning, and ensure every child has access to the joy of books, one gift at a time.