A community working together has led to new literacy opportunities for young children. On Wednesday afternoon a ribbon cutting was held to dedicate two Little Free Library (LFL) boxes in the city of Norfork.
The project involved the Baxter County Early Literacy Project, The Donald W. Reynolds Library serving Baxter County, students from Norfork Public Schools and the city of Norfork each playing a part to provide 24/7 access to books for children. The Little Free Library boxes are a popular sight in various parks, apartment complexes and public spaces around the area painted in their distinct yellow color. Parents and children can borrow and exchange books from the boxes and a group of volunteers works to keep the boxes stocked and maintained.
One of the boxes was restored and relocated to Vero Hall Memorial Park Playground in Norfork and the other is brand new and was installed at the new City of Norfork Walking Trail off of City Hall Circle. Tara Edmonds, an avid supporter of the program, was on site at the dedication to donate the first round of childrens books in one of the boxes.
Tara Edmonds donated the first batch of books in the newest box.
Kim Crow Sheaner, Director of the Baxter County Library, spoke to KTLO News on the countywide partnership to provide early literacy resources and its crucial role in a child’s development.
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Lisa Harrison, the mayor of Norfork, said that as an avid reader herself she was excited to see more literacy opportunities in the city.
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The students of the Norfork High School Shop Class, under the guidance of their teacher Mr. Pendergrass, worked to refurbish one existing LFL box and fully assembled the other from a kit, utilizing grant funding from the Arkansas State Library. Shop students Nevaeh Collins and Alexis Martin helped take charge to get the boxes built.
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A cold blustery wind kept the outdoor ceremony short with participants retreating to the community center for refreshments provided by Anstaff Bank. A pop up library was set up and a few attendees signed up for library cards and checked out some books. The Early Literacy Project had a booth offering reading activities and an opportunity to sign up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that delivers free books to children ages 0-5 years.
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