The Gilmer School System’s plan to promote reading and literacy in the county is now in place.
The school system unveiled its vision to install library kiosks at various locations in the county about a year ago. At this month’s board of education work session, pre-K director and PBIS coordinator Katrina Kingsley shared the project’s progression.
“The process was originally planned for these to be completed before the summer, but the pandemic slowed us down,” Kingsley noted.
Just like the Little Free Library located on Dalton State’s Campus in downtown Ellijay, the kiosks give people an opportunity to take books to read, as well as leave ones for others to enjoy.
“We looked at putting some free library kiosks around town where kids can go to get free books,” Kingsley said. “They can borrow books, loan them or however they want to do it. So, they’ll have that chance to look at different books from around the county.
“Little Free Libraries is a nonprofit that builds community, inspires readers and expands book access for all through a global network of volunteers.”
There are over 100,000 Little Free Libraries across 100 countries. Gilmer’s new eight little libraries were funded through the Literacy for Learning, Living and Leading (L4GA) Grant.
“Research has shown more books that are near and around the home, the more likely it is that a child will read and love to read,” Kingsley said. “Research also shows two out of three kids living in poverty have no books to call their own. Little Free Library boxes play an essential role in filling this need by providing 24/7 access to books and encouraging the love for reading.”
The libraries were built by Dennis Wilson’s construction class at Gilmer High School. Each school in the county received at least one, and respective students decorated and painted them.
“Mr. Wilson was more than excited and willing to help us construct these kiosks,” Kingsley said.
The libraries are located at Clear Creek, Ellijay and Mountain View elementary schools. Clear Creek Middle installed theirs at the ball fields located next to campus.
Books are also available at each of the three playgrounds at River Park, and one will soon arrive at Harrison Park.
Books are provided by the L4GA Grant and libraries with dispositioned books. Each school is responsible for maintaining their little library.
“We invite everyone to stop by one of our Little Free Library sites to check us out,” Kingsley said. “Please encourage parents to visit them and to get some books for their children.”