Do you want to help inspire more readers in your community? Are you looking for a fun new project to become a part of?
The Pop-Up Library is the newest endeavor created by the Kutztown Community Library. These small bins consist of children and adult books, which can be found in local businesses.
The Kutztown Community Library has a priority to improve literacy for everyone. With technology advancing the way it has, many people utilize the library differently then they did before. These Pop-Up Libraries are meant to encourage literacy to those within the Kutztown area.
Books provide entertainment while customers are waiting for appointments, meetings, or just standing in line. Everyone deserves the adventure a story brings, so books in the bin are free to bring home and keep.
City Cuts is the first business to take advantage of this opportunity. They use their Pop-Up Library to help promote literacy while helping kids grow their oral communication skills. To do this, children are encouraged to read aloud while getting their haircut. They are even paid $3 that is taken out of the original cost of the haircut.
Jonathan Escueta, owner of City Cuts, says, “It’s good to see the kids being more into it. We promote public speaking and teaching kids they don’t have to be shy.”
“It’s a good look for any business to not only promote reading but the look on parents faces when they see their child enjoy reading,” Escueta explains.
Lucy Muth, a Kutztown Community Library Board Member, is the steward for Wanamaker’s General Store and Albright’s Mill located in Kempton, PA. Since adding their Pop-Up Library, she has seen it become very successful.
“They have received a positive response at both locations. I have to add ten to twelve books a week. It is a great service the library is providing for our rural community.” Muth says.
The Kutztown Community Library is looking for hosts to keep the Pop-Up Libraries in their businesses. Stewards keep the bins filled with a fresh stock of books. Hosts and stewards help promote literacy within the community as they enrich lives.
Businesses can benefit from people taking books home with them and encouraging them to spread the word of the Pop-Up Libraries. Reading is essential to our way of life, making books accessible allows those who may not have the resources to be an active reader.
It is also a way to connect to the community. Many people love to talk about their latest read and what it means for them. Free access to books is essential to keep any community thriving and growing.
If you are interested in becoming a host or steward of the program, contact the Kutztown Community Library at 610-683-5820. The library is located at 70 Bieber Alley, Kutztown.
