Forward Madison FC and Madison Public Library work together to promote literacy and support young writers in Madison through the WE READ Youth Voices Writing Contest. The two organizations teamed up back in 2021 to provide opportunities for nontraditional library users to get introduced to the joy and excitement reading and other media can bring.
“We appreciate the opportunity to kick off this program with the Madison Public Library,” Forward Madison FC Chief Operating Officer/Owner Conor Caloia said. “There is no better off the field summer activity than picking up a good book. We look forward to joining the Library to promote reading and literacy this summer and beyond.”
Library staff table on select dates throughout the soccer season to align with Forward Madison FC's family night games and offer library cards sign-up while handling out WE READ swag and letting folks know about the WE READ Youth Vocies Writing Contest. In fact, there will be a special, limited edition "We Read in a Flock" sticker for kids and families to enjoy.
WE READ is a year-round, all-ages, community wide celebration of all kinds of reading. Madison Public Library announces different WE READ activities throughout the year, typically during Spring Break, Winter Break, and over the summer, and asking people to share what they're reading by tagging @MadisonPublicLibrary on Facebook and Instagram and using the #WeReadMadison. There will be a variety of ways for Madisonians to engage with WE READ this summer through their neighborhood library and out in the community.
Forward Madison FC, The Flock and Madison Public Library have worked together in the past to encourage young local writer Tikeh Tazeh who penned and self-published the book Hat Trick, a story about a young man who loves soccer.
Tikeh and his whole family got to meet player Connor Tobin and Head Coach Carl Craig from Forward Madison FC, as well as Grant Pieters of The Flock. Tikeh received a big surprise when they gifted him some team swag and purchased copies of his book to sell at the team gift shop. As Forward Madison FC, The Flock and Madison Public Library formalized their partnership, they decided the best way to support and encourage other young writers in the community was by introducing a young writers’ competition.
The WE READ: Youth Voices Writing Contest is focused on writers aged 18 and under who have a story to share. Each year, the library and Forward Madison FC work together to host the contest, with the team selecting a player to serve as a judge and hosting the kick-off and wrap-up events on the field during halftime at key home games.
