Clarkson College is eager for children to begin enjoying books at the new Little Library that has been installed in the Clarkson Park located at 42nd and Dodge Streets. The College worked with community partners including MCL Construction, RDG Planning and Design, and Renze to create and build a unique and sustainable Little Library to play a part in helping youth gain access to and own books at an early age. According to the National Commission on Reading in 1985, the single most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school. Clarkson College, along with its community partners, hopes this Little Library is the first of many so more children have the opportunity to begin their school year ready to learn.
“When we were deciding where we wanted to install our first Little Library, we instantly thought of the Clarkson Park. It bears the Clarkson name and is located across the street from the College, which makes it a perfect fit,” shared Jina Paul, Vice President of Operations & Student Affairs at Clarkson College.
The installment includes a four-tiered box unit that will house children’s books for youth in the neighborhood to take home and enjoy. Clarkson College will donate books by holding book drives and maintain the unit to ensure it stays clean and safe. The installation will also feature a curved bench for children and family members to sit and read a book together. The College hopes the neighborhood will enjoy not only the donated children’s books, but also the addition of a beautiful Little Library to the Clarkson Park.