PRESS RELEASE-REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Submitted by Kim Merithew
Director of Corporate and Community Giving
693 Main St., Suite 3
New Milford, PA 18834
570-879-4567
United Way of Susquehanna County and its Community Partners, New Milford Hardware, Williams and Nationwide Insurance Celebrate the Grand Opening of Fifth Little Free Library in New Milford, PA.
[New Milford, PA-October 1, 2019] ‐ Little Free Libraries are a growing global phenomenon. The small, front‐yard book exchanges number 36,000 around the world in 70 countries. Now, a new Little Free Library is available in New Milford, PA.
United Way of Susquehanna County along with its community partners, New Milford Hardware, Williams and Nationwide Insurance has joined the movement to share books, bring people together and create communities of readers. The newest location is located at 693 Main St. in New Milford at the United Way office.
“Our Little Free Library doesn’t just belong to us, it belongs to the whole community,” says Kim Merithew, Director of Corporate and Community Giving. This initiative aligns with our goal of Helping Children Do Well focusing on programs that support academic readiness, mentorship, family stability and childhood wellness. “It’s our hope that this Little Free Library will bring a little more joy, a little more connection and a whole lot more books to our community”, added Kyle Herbert, owner of New Milford Hardware. “This will be a wonderful addition to the New Milford neighborhood and we are excited to be a part of this community initiative” shared Jonathan Wilbur, Williams | Supervisor of Operations.
One of the most successful ways to improve the reading achievement of children is to increase their access to books, especially at home (McGill-Franzen & Allington, 2009). But according to the U.S. Department of Education, up to 61% of low-income families do not have any books for their kids at home.
Little Free Libraries play an essential role by providing 24/7 access to books and encouraging a love of reading in areas where books are scarce.
Anyone may contribute or take books. You can donate a book(s) by simply placing them in the Little Free Library book exchange near you. If you take a book (or two) from a Library, you do not need to return that exact book. However, in order to keep the Little Library full of good choices for the whole neighborhood, the next time you swing by the Library bring a few books to share. Little Free Library book exchanges function on the honor system; everyone contributes to ensure there are always quality books inside for both children and adults. This way, we all win!
In addition, informational pamphlets will be available to help connect the community to health and human service agencies serving Susquehanna County residents.
Susquehanna County residents are invited to visit any of the Little Free Libraries located in Thompson, Springville, Lawton, Clifford and New Milford.