Ever since I was little, books and reading have been a major part of my life. Not all children have the access to literature, which I was extremely fortunate to have, so I started the Book Bloom Project in June 2025 to bridge the gap.
I collect children’s book donations to create reading kits which are organized by genre and age and donate them to the Malden Early Education and Learning Program in Malden. The Learning Program, operated by the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston, caters to an underserved community. It fosters and supports child development through full-time, year-round childcare for children from six weeks to seven years old. This unique program, known for its dedication and commitment to children, is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
While I’m excited to get this project off the ground, I couldn’t have done it without friends from the Children’s Room at the Wayland Free Public Library, especially Katherine Hancock. I am also extremely fortunate to be working with the Friends of the Wayland Public Library to collect book donations.
Residents can donate children’s books (ages 6 and under) to the Friends’ donation bins in the downstairs of the library at 5 Concord Road in Wayland). We are also currently working on expanding the number of drop-off locations. Follow us on Instagram @thebookbloomproject and stay tuned!
Sethi is a rising junior at Wayland High School.
