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Aims Read

Discover Aims Read

A Journey of Learning, Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Aims Community College, we're not just about textbooks and lectures. We're about fostering a community that learns together, grows together, and understands together. That's the essence of Aims Read, our annual communal read that unites students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community in a journey of shared discovery.

Aims Read is our commitment to increasing awareness of the diverse ways individuals navigate the world. By diving into different perspectives, we aim to break down barriers and build a stronger, more understanding community.

Each year, our dedicated Aims Read team delves into an ocean of literary works focused on crucial themes of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. This rigorous selection process ensures the chosen book resonates powerfully with our community, offering insights and learnings that extend far beyond the classroom.

Join us in our mission to cultivate a well-rounded perspective. Email aimsread@aims.edu to learn more or get involved.

2025-2026 Belonging

Gather Me Book Cover

Gather Me by Glory Edim

This beautiful memoir of family, community, and resilience, is an ode to the power of books to help us understand ourselves. Glory Edim found community through books, and as she grew older she discovered authors and ideas that resonated with her when she most needed it. Edim recounts how different writers taught her how to value herself by helping her to find her own voice. She also highlights the power of representation in literature. Her Well-Read Black Girl book club focuses on the power of books to create bonds with others. The aim is to uplift more diverse authors and stories. Immerse yourself in her memoir, engage with its themes, and be a part of a larger conversation during the 25-26 academic year!

The journey never ends with the last page of the book. Throughout the year, the Aims Read team will host a series of book club-style events. These will provide rich opportunities to deepen our understanding, connect with one another and have conversations. We will also provide resources to help employees and faculty weave the themes of the book into their workspaces and classrooms - stay tuned!

Aims Read invites you to discover and engage with this book for yourself. Consider how you might use it in your group, department or classroom to make connections with one another. We invite you to request your hard copy, ebook or audiobook below by clicking on the link below.

Book request form

Upcoming Aims Read Events

Past Aims Read Selections

Meet the Team

Aims Read is a sub-committee of the Council For Equity & Inclusion. CEI promotes and fosters an equitable, diverse, and inclusive climate. 

Kristin Abraham

Adjunct Faculty: English, Speech, and Literature
Coordinator II, Aims Read
Chalese Nelson

Chalese Nelson

Program Coordinator II, Learning Resource Technicians
Eden Welker

Eden Welker

Adjunct Faculty, Anthropology and Ethnic Studies

2026-27 Selection Committee (Theme: Opening Doors: Empathy-Informed Access)

  • Heather Fitzpatrick, Adjunct Faculty
  • Charis Fleshner, Adjunct Faculty
  • Kendra Griffin, Adjunct Faculty
  • Chelaine Hoffer, Staff
  • Sandy Myers, Adjunct Faculty
  • Saeda Quist, Staff
  • Cerisa Reynolds, Full-Time Faculty
  • Pretty Robinson, Student
  • Brian Seemann, Full-Time Faculty
  • Kaylea Sharp, Staff