Hempstead Elementary School celebrated their new little free library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, on November 7. The celebration took place just a week after National Book Month, which is held each October.
The Little Free Library project is the world’s largest book-sharing initiative. The nonprofit’s goal is to build community, inspire readers, expand book access to all, and most importantly encourage a love of reading. The campus partnered with ELOHAI International to bring the first chartered Little Free Library in Hempstead, Texas.
The partnership will help provide 24/7 access to a variety of books to Hempstead community members. The library sits in front of the campus in an accessible location, so that readers can borrow and leave books any time.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with ELOHAI International to provide a unique way for students to have access to books and engage with our community,” Hempstead Elementary School Principal, Dr. Brittanee Shiflett, explained. “We are encouraging students to read, and we are promoting literacy by giving students the chance to utilize the Little Free Library to explore a variety of books and novels, both at school and at home.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held during the school's STEAM Night.
"We look forward to sharing important stories that will empower and educate all members of the Hempstead community," said ELOHAI International's Publisher and CEO, Natasha Brown Watson. "Reading and literacy are closely connected to the future success rate of young people. Our goal is to encourage reading year-round–for children and their guardians–through this community, book-sharing resource."
Jessica Adebiyi, Mrs. Southern States United World 2023, and Tabree Houston, Ms. Curve Texas Regency International 2023, were both in attendance for the celebration. Adebiyi also donated books to the campus for the new Little Free Library.