Houlton, Presque Isle McDonald’s unveils reading corners for youngsters

5 years ago

HOULTON, Maine —  In an effort to foster more interaction between parents and children, three McDonald’s restaurants in northern Maine have opened reading corners in their establishments.

McDonald’s in Houlton, Presque Isle, and Lincoln all now have free children’s libraries, where kids are welcome to read a book while they enjoy their meal and also take a book home with them if they desire.

Heidi Abbotoni, owner of the three McDonald’s restaurants with her husband Daryl, said she got the idea from another Maine McDonald’s owner/operator who was doing something similar in restaurants downstate.

“I have always been a big believer in reading to and with our kids and wanted this to be part of the McDonald’s experience,” she said. “With the growing trend of having cell phones and tablets in front of us at all time, I thought it was the perfect way to encourage reading while spending time at McDonald’s.”

She started first with the Houlton location to test the feasibility, since she and her husband live in that community.

“Once I saw that it was enjoyed by our customers, I decided to put it in the other two restaurants [Presque Isle and Lincoln] as well,” Abbotoni said. “I filled each of the bookshelves myself initially and then have hoped to replenish it with donations of books.”

So far that plan has worked out well. The Houlton location has seen a steady stream of books coming in, but more are always welcome.

“We are looking for donations of children’s books to replenish these libraries,” Abbotoni said. “If anyone would like to donate used children’s books [in good condition], please drop them off at any of these McDonald’s locations at the front counter. Thank you for helping us to support our young readers.”