Hudson, Wis., Aug. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today Little Free Library® (LFL) placed its 75,000th book exchange at Jenks East Elementary in Jenks, Oklahoma, a diverse school where 32 languages are spoken. This milestone Library joins LFL’s worldwide network of book exchanges. Since the Little Free Library nonprofit was established just six years ago, it has grown into an award-winning global force for literacy and community-building, with registered book exchanges in 88 countries.
“With 75,000 Little Libraries around the world, we estimate that 54 million books will be shared this year alone and 900,000 neighbors will meet each other for the first time,” says Little Free Library founder and executive director Todd H. Bol. “But book access remains a critical challenge in so many communities around the country. We believe everyone has the right to read, and we want to help make that a reality.”
The 75,000th book exchange was granted to Jenks East Elementary via the nonprofit’s Impact Library Program, a donor-driven initiative that places Little Libraries in areas where they can improve book access and reading motivation. In addition to the book exchange, Jenks East Elementary will receive free books each month for a year.
At Jenks East Elementary, a community of more than 1,600 Pre-K to fourth graders, more than 67 percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunch and 25 percent are English-language learners. The student body includes resettled refugees from Myanmar as well as immigrants from Mexico, Syria, China, Puerto Rico, Korea, Russia and Iran.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to further develop their love of reading, and to share that passion and knowledge with their classmates,” said Ryan Glaze, Site Principal at East Elementary. “We feel so fortunate to be selected by Little Free Library for this occasion. At Jenks Public Schools, we want to create as many unique learning opportunities for our students as we possibly can, and having a Little Free Library on our campus is one more way for our kids to feel connected and for them to be inspired.”
The special launch ceremony of the Little Free Library at East Elementary included a ribbon-cutting, free books for students, remarks from Bol and story time with Sean Mahan, a former NFL player who attended Jenks East Elementary and graduated from Jenks High School.
“We are so pleased to share the world's 75,000th Little Free Library book exchange with Jenks East Elementary,” notes Bol. “Schools and educators play a vital role in nurturing a love of reading in our youth, and we're delighted to help ignite that love.”
Little Free Library has worked with hundreds of schools throughout its existence. LFL is now a partner to the National Education Association.
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About Little Free Library®: Little Free Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. Since the first Little Free Library was built by founder Todd H. Bol in Hudson, WI in 2009, the number of registered book exchanges has grown to 75,000 worldwide. Roughly 54 million books are shared annually through the book exchanges, which are individually managed by volunteer stewards in all 50 states and in 88 countries. In its short history, Little Free Library has received recognition from the National Book Foundation, the Library of Congress, the Book Industry Study Group, the Women’s National Book Association and others. To obtain a Little Free Library or make a donation to the organization, visit littlefreelibrary.org.
About Jenks Public Schools: Founded in 1908, Jenks Public Schools, located in Jenks, Oklahoma, is a suburban district consisting of approximately 12,400 students and 1,600 employees. Embracing a tradition of excellence with a vision for tomorrow, Jenks Public Schools is committed to the shared responsibility of preparing all learners for productive, responsible citizenship in an ever-changing world.
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