Libraries may be shut down for in-person reading, but free little libraries aren’t! Stanbridge University is making sure that its students and surrounding communities are still experiencing the joy of reading thanks to their Little Free Library program.
Earlier this year, Stanbridge University’s outREACH Community Service Initiative, in partnership with the Illumination Foundation, installed an Impact Little Free Library at the Anaheim Service Center, located at 883 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805, one of over 100 locations since 2018.
Stanbridge University student organizations have been installing Little Free Libraries for the past two years but have recognized that the importance of the libraries have now increased more than ever before.
In a focused effort to help end childhood illiteracy and build fellowship and community within the elderly and homeless populations, Stanbridge University students have begun building and installing Little Free Libraries in lower socioeconomic areas across Orange County, Los Angeles, and all of Southern California. Stanbridge students have established Little Free Libraries around Southern California at:
- Beachside Nursing Center in Huntington Beach, CA: At Beachside Nursing Center, Stanbridge University’s Little Free Library helps the underserved elderly build community and meaningful interactions through reading. This Little Free Library was installed by the Stanbridge Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Organization (SSOTAS).
- Illumination Foundation in Stanton, CA: Illumination Foundation is an organization and facility that provides safe shelter for vulnerable homeless families and individuals. By installing a Little Free Library at Illumination Foundation, Stanbridge University seeks to disrupt the cycle of homelessness through opportunities for learning and literacy in an underserved population. This Little Free Library was installed by the Stanbridge Occupational Therapy Student Association (SSOTA).
- Ryan’s Reach in Tustin, CA: At Ryan’s Reach, the Little Free Library established by Stanbridge University provides a helpful, everyday activity for residents to engage with together and reduces isolation through shared learning. This Little Free Library was installed by the Stanbridge Association of Physical Therapist Assistant Student Organization (SAPTAS).
The partnership with Little Free Library is one of the several initiatives Stanbridge University outREACH is dedicated too. With over 1.4 millions of pounds of food and groceries distributed to the homeless and low-income families, 64,000 meals cooked and served to the homeless, over 1500 rescue animals served with medical care, and 16,500 pounds of trash picked up from our local beaches, Stanbridge students are advocates for their community.
The Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. Through the Little Free Library book exchanges, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Additional information on the Little Free Library can be found here: https://littlefreelibrary.org/about/.
To learn more about Stanbridge University outREACH, please visit www.stanbridge.edu/outreach.
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