Every summer for the last 11 years, the Webster Public Library (WPL) has given young readers at Phillips Village the opportunity to check out library books, just steps from their front doors, without even having a library card.
Called the “BookBox” program, it’s kind of like a bookmobile, without the “mobile.” Every Thursday during the summer months, WPL staff members and volunteers stuff several milk crates with books for all ages, and take them on the road to children who might not otherwise have easy access to a library.
The Phillips Village BookBox program has been so successful that this summer the library has expanded it to a second location, Country Manor Apartments on Phillips Rd.
Webster Public Library Outreach Coordinator Jason Poole explains the reasoning behind the BookBoxes;
We started BookBox in 2014 when we discovered during a school visit that the children who lived in Phillips Village had limited access to the library’s resources because of the distance the apartment complex is from the library and the lack of safe options to get themselves there. Many do not speak English as a first language. Many come from families with two working parents who are not able to transport them. So instead of them coming to us, we decided to go to them.
Now that commitment, which began years ago, has been extended to the children of Country Manor.
Every Wednesday afternoon at Country Manor and Thursday afternoon at Phillips Village (in good weather), Jason and his helpers place signs throughout the apartment complexes, set up a tent and and a table, and spread the books out for ease of choice. Each book has a due-date card tucked inside for the child to sign. They can return the book the following week or hold it for longer; there’s no cost to the children, no due dates or overdue fees, and it’s all done without needing a library card.
Jason chooses most of the books — all age-appropriate and brand-new or almost brand-new — from community donations collected by the Friends of the Public Library, who also provide volunteers for the weekly programs.
The program’s not just about the books, though. It’s also a chance for kids to come outside, play with their friends and have a healthy snack, courtesy gift cards donated by Wegmans.
“We give out apples and juice boxes … and kids often stay and play kickball or Frisbee or jump rope or hula hoop,” Jason said. “We bring a bag full of balls and games … and for the last three years, Webster Parks and Recreation has sent someone to help out with that part of it.”
Thanks in part to bad weather, the Country Manor program has only been able to set up a few times this summer, so many families there have yet to discover it. But it’s an important community to connect with, since Country Manor has a significant Ukrainian refugee population.
“I think they’re interested,” Jason said, “but the language barrier presents a challenge. It’s too early to tell, really, but I think once they get used to us they will look forward to it.”
The BookBox program is truly a community effort. Webster community members donate books to the Friends, who then share them with Jason; the management at Phillips Village and Country Manor allow the library to set up shop; Wegmans donates gift cards; Webster Parks and Rec provides fitness instructors to play with kids; Webster Community Chest purchased the Phillips Village signs; and the United Church of Christ’s Caring Community Concerts series sponsors the Phillips Village BookBox.
And a huge thank you to the Webster Rotary Club for sponsoring the new Country Manor BookBox.
So even though the Webster Public Library created this amazing program, the entire Webster community is supporting it and helping it grow.
On behalf of the kids, thank you.
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(posted 7/31/2024)
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