Sheli McHugh
Assistant Professor, Library
As a member of the Scranton Reads committee, and co-chair from 2009 through 2011, Sheli McHugh embraces the month-long event’s two main objectives: promoting reading and bringing the community together.
Held each year during the month of October, Scranton Reads organizes book discussions and special events for citizens of Scranton to come together to read a great work of literature. For past events, the selections have included “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Great Gatsby” and “The Grapes of Wrath.”
“Mainly, we want to encourage everyone in the city to unite around the same book, for one month,” says McHugh, who helps organize events, manage the event’s online program, and plan an annual fundraising event.
Prior to joining the University staff, McHugh worked at the Scranton Library and explained that despite the job change, she never considered not being involved with the Scranton Reads program. She appreciates that the institution encourages community service explaining, “it is a large part of the University’s mission, as well as the library’s mission.”
“It is so important to get people to read,” she says. “It’s not just a singular experience, but it is something that can be shared – and it’s fun.”
