LOCKPORT, Ill. Aug. 1, 2018 — United Way of Will County’s Women United social change project, Read to Succeed, opened its first My Little Free Library on Aug. 1 at Fairmont Elementary School.
Will County’s Women United social change initiatives began after the Women United inauguration at the Little Black Dress Soiree in Feb. 2018. Comprised of primarily teachers, the Read to Succeed program works to promote literacy in and out of the classroom. The My Little Free Libraries, where anyone can take or leave a book, are to be placed within heavily trafficked areas of the community, providing an increased access to books.
The first location, Fairmont Elementary School, was chosen by the group based on Will County literacy scores.
“We are very excited to host Women United’s first My Little Free Library,” said Diane Cepella, superintendent of Fairmont School District. “The spot within the school is a perfect location for the library because it will be easily accessed by our students and their parents.”
Designed, built and painted by members of the Read to Succeed program, libraries are customized to fit the location’s need. Materials for the library are bought with the funds raised through the Little Black Dress Soiree. Books for the library have been donated or bought by Women United.
United Way of Will County’s social change initiative, Read to Succeed, has only just begun. The group’s long term goal is to increase access to literature and emphasize the importance of literacy throughout the county. If you wish to join Read to Succeed, or host a book drive, visit uwwill.org or contact samantha@uwwill.org.
United Way of Will County fights for the self-sufficiency, health, safety and education of every person in Will County. Through its extensive network of individuals, funded partners and corporate affiliates, United Way of Will County fosters collaborations, partnerships and develops solutions to the challenges facing the community. These collective efforts have resulted in the direct aid to one in three community members. The mission, to unite Will County communities and resources to empower people and create positive, sustainable change, is deeply rooted in United Way of Will County’s history beginning in 1936. To learn more about United Way of Will County’s community impact, visit www.uwwill.org.
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