Kaiser Permanente, Boys & Girls Clubs Dedicate Little Free Library

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside and Kaiser Permanente dedicated a Little Free Library at the Waterman Gardens Site in San Bernardino on May 18. There were spontaneous exclamations of “wow” and “awesome” from kids as the blue painted wooden library was unveiled. Club members painted wooden coins displayed on one side of the box. The library’s installation was spearheaded by Kaiser’s Educational Theatre, which uses the performing arts to promote literacy, conflict management, healthy eating, bullying awareness and STD prevention. Members of the program researched the Little Free Library movement, got the mobile box built for the Waterman Gardens Site and collected 85 books for the site through book drives. “This is one of our ways to give back to the community,” said Educational Theatre Director Gerry Farrell. The Free Little Library at Waterman Gardens is the Educational Theatre department’s first. The nation-wide movement encourages people to borrow and share books using outdoor boxes. “We wanted them to be in the communities where the kids we serve can have access to them,” said Educational Theatre Family Programs Manager Karla Melendez. She said one of the biggest challenges in promoting literacy is getting youth access to books. She plans to check on the Little Free Library and restock it. Waterman Gardens Site Director Kelly Weldon said she plans to make the library available during the Club’s operating hours, and then expand availability if it’s received well in the community. She also hopes to use it as an incentive during summer programs. Club CEO P.T. McEwen said he appreciates Kaiser’s support. “We’re grateful that Kaiser cares about promoting reading and literacy so our kids can have great futures,” he said.