The Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) is proud to share the Little House of Books with our community. These free, public libraries focus on the importance of literacy for young children and build community using the concept of ‘take a book, leave a book”. The first “Little House of Books” began in the spring of 2015 at Castle Park. The second soon appeared at the Crookston Sports Center, followed by Evergreen Park and Landslide Park. This approach to a free-standing library is coordinated and funded by the Early Childhood Initiative and available to all children.
Whether you are visiting Evergreen Park, exploring at the Castle Park Natural Play Space, walking the track at the CSC, or viewing the river from Landslide Park, the ECI committee wants to encourage you to check out the Little House of Books Library. Visitors are welcome to TAKE any book/s home, with no obligation to return! On the other hand, in order to sustain our library and our efforts, we hope some visitors also stop by to LEAVE a gently-used book or two as well! Donations from our valued partners also help to keep these libraries well-stocked.
The ECI is hopeful that this initiative will result in more books to enter more homes in our community. Other positive outcomes of the Little House of Books Library will be opportunities for children to read independently or with their caregivers, resulting in MORE children reaping the benefits of reading or being read to!
The ability to read is tied to all aspects of our lives and has a major impact on the developing brain of young children. Literacy is essential to a child’s success in school as well as a positive self-image. Reading aloud to children at a young age is an effective way to expand a child’s vocabulary and stimulates their imagination, laying the foundation for success in school and life.
Happy Reading Everyone!
If you wish to donate to the Crookston ECI’s annual fundraiser, go online to https://www.nwmf.org/give-now/.
