The need to read is still one of the most important skills literacy advocates hope to cultivate in Detroit’s youth.
Research shows challenges in literacy have been directly linked to greater risks of unemployment, imprisonment and other challenges.
To support a mission of boosting local literacy rates, the Association for Women in Communications (AWC) Detroit Chapter and the Detroit Public Library Foundation’s National Automotive History Collection (NAHC) Trustees will install a “Free Little Library,” the groups announced. The Parkman branch of the Detroit Public Library, located at 1766 Oakman Blvd., will be the site of free books at the opening event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24.
The public is invited to the installation designed to encourage residents to frequent their local library branches, including the Parkman, Redford and Lincoln neighborhood locations, along with Teen Center at the main library on Woodward Avenue.
“We are highly supportive of this effort and are very excited to partner with AWC Detroit,” says Richard Kollins, chair of the Detroit Public Library’s National Automotive History Collection. “We are jointly committed to increasing social engagement and mobility through the enhancement of literacy. The program reaches out to area residents, inviting them to rediscover the wealth of resources available for free at their local branches.
“We want to open the door and invite the neighborhood. We want everyone to fall in love with reading.”
AWC Detroit is overseeing the coordination and promotion of the installation, including similar events at library branches throughout the summer.
“As professional communicators, we understand the vital link between literacy and success,” says Deniella Ortiz-Lalain, president of AWC Detroit. “It’s our hope that we can help empower individuals to increase their reading skills through the availability of free books. We are excited for this program as it allows our members the opportunity to participate in an important cause.”
A department of the Detroit Public Library, the NAHC is a department of the Detroit Public Library. For more information, visit the website.
Women in Communications, National Automotive History Collection promote library literacy added by E.B. Allen on
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