Wichita Public Library, Wichita Literacy Coalition and several community partners have created and installed 26 Little Free Libraries throughout City Council District III – each one decorated after a letter of the alphabet, according to a news release from the city.
And the little boxes full of books even talk, after a fashion.
The Little Free Libraries are part of a project to help kids in low literacy areas have better access to books, tools and resources to explore reading at home. Developing reading skills is important for long-term success of residents, both in school and beyond.
“All children aged five and under deserve access to reading materials that ignite joy for learning and early learning skills,” said Larry Daniels, program manager for the Wichita Literacy Coalition.
The 26 Little Free Libraries are decorated for each letter of the alphabet, creating a space where free books and information can be easily accessed by residents. An audio component created by Wichita State University’s Engineering students pronounce letters when the door opens. Books for early learners and parents will be provided by the Library and community partners; everyone is welcome to use the Little Free Libraries and to share books forward.
“Strategic investments in family engagement and early literacy efforts are critical as new parents learn about the library and the multitude of ways the library and community partners collaborate to help them raise a reader,” said Jaime Nix, director of libraries. “We want to make sure Wichita’s parents and caregivers are aware of how Wichita Public Library can help and how we can connect them to additional resources at their neighborhood branch.”
More information about the Little Free Libraries, including a printable and interactive map of library locations, can be found at wichitalibrary.org. Thanks to the following partners for their investment in the project: Evergy, Hutton, Wichita Public Library Foundation, Wichita State University Engineering, and CityArts.
If you are interested in donating funds to the Little Free Library, you can contact the Wichita Public Library Foundation at (316) 204-1348.
Locations:
- A: Fire Station 11, 1845 George Washington Blvd.
- B: Fire Station 22, 22 E. Denker St.
- C: Ascension Via Christi Property Services, 1131 S. Clifton Ave.
- D: Department of Children and Families, 2601 S. Oliver
- E: Neighborhood Residence, 2032 S. Terrace Dr.
- F: Lincoln Park, 1323 S. Topeka St.
- G: Neighborhood Residence, 1515 S. Ellis
- H: Neighborhood Residence, 2719 E. Timberlane
- I: Stearman Park, 3500 E. Cessna
- J: Bread of Life, 1301 E. Galena St.
- K: Schweiter Park, 900 S. Chautauqua
- L: Linwood Elementary, 1654 S. Hydraulic
- M: Neighborhood Residence, 1506 E. 59th St.
- N: Herman Hill: Water Center, 101 E. Pawnee St.
- O: Holly Park Apartments, 5323 E. Harry St.
- P: Paxton’s Blessing Box, 2820 S. Roosevelt St.
- Q: Leon Robinson Park, 2700 S. Washington
- R: Neighborhood Residence, 2030 S. Lulu
- S: Child’s Horizon Preschool, 2221 S. Oliver
- T: Wichita Transit Bus Stop, 45th & Hydraulic
- U: Caldwell Elementary, 1441 S. Edgemoor
- V: Visit & Exchange Program, 910 S. Bluffview Dr.
- W: Wichita Transit Bus Stop, 31st & Seneca
- X: Harry Street Elementary, 1605 S. Market
- Y: Anderson Elementary, 2945 S. Victoria
- Z: Hillside Feed and Seed, 1805 S. Hillside
