Six families will participate in building the little libraries. They will then become the advocates of the locations in their neighborhoods, said Kristi Limes, an outreach and education specialist with Project Jericho.
Project Jericho, in collaboration with the Springfield City School District’s Learning Café, will build six of these little libraries — birdhouse-like structures that will be just big enough to hold up to 40 books. The libraries will sit on top of fence posts that will be placed in the neighborhoods, Limes said. The family advocates will monitor the little libraries regularly to make sure they are maintained, she added.
Tom and Karen Coppick have been involved in past family programs through Project Jericho and are looking forward to hosting a little library in their own neighborhood. Participating in Project Jericho activities has brought their family together through shared experiences in community service. It has also helped their grandchildren understand the importance of community and service, the Coppicks said.
“This project has gotten (our grandson) to want to be involved in other things,” Tom Coppick said. “And it helps (our granddaughter) with understanding community service, why you need it and the benefits.”
A professional artist will begin building the little libraries with the chosen Project Jericho families during a week-long camp at Springfield High School beginning June 16. The finished projects will be unveiled to the community at an event on June 20 at the Clark County Public Library’s main downtown location, organizers said. Installation of the libraries into neighborhoods will take place in mid-July.
Along with the Project Jericho families who will create the libraries, the structures will be “adopted” by organizations like the National Trail Parks and Recreation District and individuals within the community. They will provide books approved as appropriate literature for children to fill the libraries, Limes said. A book drive will also be held at the library for book donations.
The little libraries are a collaborative effort between Project Jericho, the Clark State Community College Performing Arts Center and Job and Family Services of Clark County. A $2,000 grant provided by Target will be used for the libraries, along with additional funding provided by the Ohio Arts Council and the Turner Foundation, Limes said.
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