MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | SAINT PAUL: "Leaders Are Readers" Event to Bring Author Tiffany Hammond, Free Books, and Youth Literacy Focus to Saint Paul on May 2

SAINT PAUL, MN (April 22, 2026)
A community literacy event focused on youth engagement, access to books, and author interaction will take place Saturday, May 2, at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in Saint Paul.

From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., families are invited to attend Leaders Are Readers, a free public event hosted by Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute. The program is designed to promote reading among children through storytelling, direct author engagement, and book distribution.

Event Overview and Purpose

Organizers describe the event as part of a broader effort to strengthen literacy outcomes by creating accessible, community-based experiences that encourage children to engage with books in meaningful ways. The program is structured to provide both educational value and interactive participation for young attendees and their families.

Author Engagement and Live Read-Aloud Experience

Author Tiffany Hammond will lead a live read-aloud session during the event. The format allows children to engage directly with the author through storytelling, questions, and discussion.

Organizers note that opportunities for children to interact with authors in person remain limited for many families, particularly in community-based settings. The read-aloud component is intended to create a direct connection between young readers and the creative process behind books.

Expanding Access Through Free Book Distribution

A free book giveaway will be held as part of the event. Organizers say the distribution is intended to ensure children leave with materials they can continue reading at home.

Access to books remains a central focus of the initiative, particularly for families who may face barriers in obtaining age-appropriate or culturally relevant reading materials.

Organizational Mission and Statewide Literacy Work

Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute operates programs centered on literacy, leadership development, and cultural representation. The organization has worked across Minnesota and in other regions to expand access to diverse books and literacy programming.

Its initiatives include author development, publishing, youth writing programs, and partnerships with schools and libraries. The organization has also supported the distribution of books written by authors of African descent and developed programming that integrates storytelling with leadership development.

Leaders Are Readers Initiative in Context

The Leaders Are Readers event is part of the organization’s ongoing literacy initiative aimed at improving reading engagement and outcomes among young people. Organizers position the program as a continuation of long-term efforts rather than a standalone event.

The initiative focuses on building consistent exposure to reading while reinforcing its role in personal development and leadership growth.

Community-Centered Setting and Accessibility

The event will take place at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center, located at 1063 Iglehart Avenue in Saint Paul. Organizers selected the site to provide a familiar and accessible setting for families within the community.

Hosting the event at a local recreation center is intended to reduce barriers to participation and bring resources directly into neighborhoods where access may vary.

Representation, Storytelling, and Youth Connection

Tiffany Hammond’s work centers on storytelling that reflects a range of lived experiences. Organizers say representation in literature plays a key role in how children connect with reading materials and see themselves reflected in stories.

The event’s programming is designed to reinforce that connection through direct engagement with both the author and the content.

Community Participation and Expected Turnout

Organizers anticipate attendance from families, educators, and community members. The event is structured to accommodate a wide age range, with interactive elements intended to maintain engagement throughout the program.

Literacy as a Pathway to Long-Term Impact

Organizers emphasize that literacy development is closely tied to long-term educational and personal outcomes. The event is designed to support reading as a regular practice rather than a one-time activity.

Programming efforts are focused on encouraging sustained engagement with books and learning beyond the event itself.

Lasting Impact Beyond the Event

Organizers note that providing children with books to take home is a critical component of the event’s impact. Access to reading materials outside structured settings can influence long-term reading habits and learning development.

The event is intended to serve as an entry point for continued engagement with literacy resources and programming.

Event Details

What: Leaders Are Readers with Tiffany Hammond
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Jimmy Lee Recreation Center, 1063 Iglehart Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55104
Cost: Free and open to the public
Host: Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute
More Information: ppgjli.org

MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life.