Lock City Readers Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing book accessibility, enjoyment, and ownership for students in the Lockport City School District. With 67% of Lockport City School District students classified as economically disadvantaged and 15.9% of residents living at the poverty level, many families lack the resources to provide literature at home.
This disparity is reflected in research showing that while children in middle-income neighborhoods have access to an average of 13 books per child, in low-income neighborhoods, there is only one book for every 300 children. Our mission is to support our students by providing free literature through engaging community events and supporting literacy initiatives.
We will achieve this by hosting annual free book fairs at Lockport City School District elementary schools in collaboration with Parent Teacher Associations, free book fairs and storytime at the Lockport Community Farmers Market, and more.
Our goal is to ensure that Lockport City School District students have access to diverse and inclusive books that inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Lock City Readers Inc. is 100% volunteer-run, with operations led by a dedicated Board of Directors. We will rely on grants, corporate sponsorships, and community donations to fund our programs, with a strong commitment to financial transparency. Over the next five years, we aim to expand our reach by increasing the number of Lockport City School District schools and community events we serve.
Through our efforts, we strive to empower individuals, strengthen literacy skills, and foster a culture of reading in Lockport, creating lasting educational and personal growth opportunities for our community.
MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Holly Edwards, President
Holly Edwards is the owner-operator of Lock City Books and an assistant program manager with the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Lockport Main Street Inc. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media from SUNY Empire State. Holly volunteers with Cat by Cat Inc., where she leads the Read with Rescues program at her bookstore, as well as with local Parent Teacher Associations. Her experiences organizing school book fairs and witnessing many students unable to afford books inspired her to help launch a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy equity in local schools.
Aaron Edwards, Vice President
Aaron Edwards is a Computer Technician for Niagara County with over 15 years of professional IT experience. He volunteers his time with Cat by Cat Inc., providing technical support and assisting with cat care for the Read with Rescues program. He looks forward to contributing his skills to help expand access to literature for local students.
Kristen Bless, Treasurer
Kristen Bless is a middle school teacher with the Lockport City School District. She has spent her 17 year teaching career trying to instill an excitement for reading in her students. She is looking forward to further expanding her love of reading to the greater Lockport community and helping get more books into the hands of students!
Alicia Naish, Secretary
Alicia Naish is a passionate reader and an advocate for literacy in the Lockport community. As a graduate of the Lockport City School District and a mother to a current student, she is deeply invested in the district’s growth and success. Over the years, she has volunteered with several PTA initiatives, including the annual Pick A Reading Partner event. She looks forward to continuing her work to help expand access to books in the community.
Contact us
Fill out the contact form or email us directly at: hello@lockcityreaders.org