Studies have shown that having more books at home improves literacy levels and school-readiness among children. One way we can encourage reading at home is through a program called Books Around The Block. The idea is to place mini free Libraries in strategic neighborhoods where many children and families will use them.
BATC Young Professionals and SPAAR Community Engagement Committee are thrilled to announce a new joint venture that will bring Books Around the Block to several area communities. And we’d like your help!
If you’re not familiar with Books Around the Block, these are small, stand-alone kiosks that serve as free lending libraries that everyone in the community can share. We’ll be looking for designers to help us create amazing plans. Our committees are all set to turn the plans into real libraries. Then we’ll be asking for your help to fill them up with books!
Designers: We’ll be sending more details next week, but to get your ideas sparking, the libraries should be about 20-inches wide by 15-inches deep and 18-inches high and made from maintenance-free materials. We’re looking for a rendering/drawing, with or without specs (you can use the specs we provide in our next email). And, we’d love to see the plans reflect the location in some way. Drawings will be needed by (DATE).
Everyone: Start collecting your new and gently used books now. We’ll begin collections in a few months.
Locations: We have secured locations in Oakdale (Cardinal Place Neighborhood) and Anoka at the Walker Methodist building. We should have one or two more, too.
