Little Free Library Installed at the New Tampa YMCA

Last summer, the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman's Club discussed ways to support the GFWC Florida Director Project, Book Heroes. The Club decided to make a Little Free Library, a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange, for the community. Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon. The small, book exchanges number over 80,000 around the world in 91 countries. Plans were found, and, the Club received a GFWC Focus on Literacy grant provided by Proctor & Gamble Company to help with expenses. Fortunately, Mike Tomsich, the spouse of a Club member, had woodworking knowledge. He helped the Club's dream come a reality by building a charming library for the Club. In the meatine, the Club collected books for both adults and children while it searched for a location for the library. Recently, the New Tampa YMCA (located at 16221 Compton Drive) happily agreed to allow the Club to install the library on its property. On March, 16, 2019, the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman's Club Little Free Library, Charter #84210, was finally installed and is now open to the public. The library works on the honor system and ANYONE can contribute or borrow books from the library. Although the hope is that the community will actively contribute books to the library, the Club is the Steward of the library and will ensure that it is maintained and will restock it as necessary. The library is registered and can be found at https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/. It appears to be the first little Free Library in the area that is open to the general public. The Club hopes that the library will encourage literacy and put hands in books of those who might not otherwise have them at home.