Land Bank Launches Book Drive to Support Rotary Club of Youngstown’s Little Free Library Book-Sharing Project
The Mahoning County Land Bank recently launched a book drive to replenish little free libraries throughout Mahoning County and stock up for six additional libraries planned for the year ahead.
New and used books will be accepted through Nov. 30 at Rulli Brothers stores in Austintown and Boardman, St. Christine Elementary School and Campbell Memorial High School.
“These little free libraries are a key part of our strategy to turn post-demolition lots that were once abandoned or vacant properties into productive spaces,” said Debora Flora, executive director of the Land Bank. “We’re running low on our inventory and, with the holidays approaching, we really appreciate the support of our friends, families and neighbors who are able to pass on their books to others.”
The Land Bank has partnered with the Rotary Club of Youngstown to install three little free libraries in Campbell and Youngstown. The Land Bank and Rotary work with a national not-for-profit organization, Little Free Library, based in Hudson, Wisc., to help build community in neighborhoods.
“These little free libraries provide a place to give free books to children, strengthen literacy among adults and, at the same time, create gathering places where neighbors can share their favorite books, literature and stories,” said Elayne Bozick, a member of the Youngstown Rotary Club and lead contact for the book-sharing project.
The most recent little free library was installed in Campbell at Bright Avenue Park, a newly developed park, which used to be a series of vacant houses and abandoned lots. Campbell Memorial’s National Honor Society will manage and maintain the library. Each of the local libraries was donated by the Youngstown Rotary and is registered on a world map at www.littlefreelibrary.org.
“One of the pillars of the National Honor Society is service,” said Janna Jackson, NHS member at Campbell Memorial High School. “This is a perfect opportunity for us to serve the community by being part of such a wonderful project.”
The Land Bank is asking for children’s books, cookbooks and best-seller nonfiction novels to build the inventory for these little free libraries.
For any questions, including more information on drop-off locations, please contact the Land Bank office at 330-259-1040.
The Mahoning County Land Bank is a nonprofit community improvement corporation dedicated to acquiring vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent properties and making them productive again. The land bank assists local governments in assembling land for future projects and collaborates with civic, religious and nonprofit organizations to create new green spaces and community gardens.
The Rotary Club of Youngstown meets on Wednesdays at noon at the YMCA in downtown Youngstown. Please visit www.youngstownrotary.orgif you are interested in knowing more or becoming a member. If you are interested in joining the community-share literacy project, please contact Elayne Bozick at 330-360-3799 or emsbozick@gmail.com.
You can read and view more in these news stories:
WFMJ – Mahoning County Land Bank Launching Local Book Drive
WYTV – Land Bank and Rotary Team Up for Little Free Library Book Drive