Friends of the Library program puts books into the hands of children
COSHOCTON – The Red Crate Literacy Project is helping the Friends of the Library put books in the hands of children.
“Each child can select a book from the crate and keep it,” said Stephanie Hammond.
Crates of books can be found at the OSU Dental Clinic, the WIC office, the Hope Clinic and Dr. Susan Magness Carver’s office.
“We wanted them to go where children go,” Hammond said.
The group also wanted to make sure it helped children of all ages.
“We already give books to babies born at the hospital, but were missing older kids,” said Brenda Blanford.
The books are ones the library no longer needs, are donated or purchased from the used book store in the basement of the Coshocton Public Library.
“They are all gently used,” Blanford said.
The group started the program in the fall with WIC.
“We wanted to see how it would go and they’ve been going through two crates a month,” Hammond said.
About 19 crates of books have been delivered and 200 books have been handed out.
“We’d be up for expanding if we knew where else to go,” Blanford said. “Anyone with ideas is welcome to call the library and talk to Cathy Haynes.”
The group also welcomes monetary donations or donations of books for the Red Crate Literacy Project.
Hammond grew up with books and access to the library and wants to make sure other children have that same opportunity.
“Books are fascinating and can be a means of escape,” she said. “Even if they can’t read or have no one to read to them they can still look at the pictures and tell their own story.”
Children also learn from books.
“When I was small I wasn’t the best student, but I was a great reader and books helped me become a better student,” Blanford said.
The Red Crate Literacy Project is just one of the many programs the Friends of the Library helps with. The group also helps fund activities at the library, provide money for updates such as new carpet for the bookmobile and runs the used book store. The book store is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays. Children’s books are only $0.25, hardback adult books are $0.50 and adult paperbacks are $0.25.
“There are good books in there,” Hammond said. “You can find your author.”
It’s also a great place for teachers to shop and Blanford wishes she would have known that when she was teaching.
“You can get sets of books, build your classroom library and even get encyclopedias,” she said. “There are just all kinds of books there.”
The Friends of the Library meet at noon the second Wednesday of the Month starting in June at the Coshocton Public Library. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to attend a meeting and learn more about volunteer opportunities.
“It’s a great group for retired teachers or anyone who loves books,” Blanford said. “If you work come on your lunch hour and we will have you back to work by 1 p.m.”
For more on the library, call 622-0956 or visit www.coshoctonlibrary.org.
Category: Clubs & Organizations, People & Places
