Launching Libraries with Kids Helping Kids

A library is many things. It's a source of knowledge, imagination, self-improvement and fulfillment. From arts to science to music and literature, however you utilize your library, it's nothing without the books.

Our friends at Kids Helping Kids are hard at work on a project that will help build the libraries of those who may not have access to books with the annual Launching Libraries Project. Through April 26th, KHK and its many youth volunteers will be collecting all types of gently used books for kids and adults. All books will go to create a Giving Library at Stamford’s Yerwood Center. Individuals and families will be able to take books home from the Giving Library to add to their shelves.

In the past, Launching Libraries has supported efforts outside of Connecticut. The first year KHK helped to restock libraries in New Orleans after the devastation of Katrina. Last year, they helped new libraries sprout up in Zimbabwe. This year, working close to home with the Yerwood Center is something KHK Executive Director Jennifer Kelley says is really special.

“Research shows us how important exposure to reading is for children and families,” said Kelley. “Books can be expensive and some kids even have trouble getting to their local library so to be able to provide books to kids and families here in our neighborhoods who maybe don’t have access to them is very important to us.”

If you have some books you’d like to contribute, drop off points have been set up throughout Fairfield County. Bank of New Canaan, Stamford First Bank, AAA of Stamford on High Ridge Road, Jazzercise of Stamford, and the Yerwood Center are current drop off points. In addition, many local private and public schools have also joined Launching Libraries. Give your nearest school a call and ask if they are participating.

KHK is organizing the collections and on Sunday April 28th, they will open up their Giving Library at the Yerwood Center to distribute them. KHK is looking for volunteers to help with this big project. If you are interested in starting a collection, helping sort donations or helping distribute the books on the 28th, check out the Kids Helping Kids opportunities on VolunteerSquare.com.

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