City’s Civic Engagement Diversity Book Drive to Stock New Little Free Libraries
Nov. 18, 2020
Mayor Tim Keller’s Office of Civic Engagement and the Albuquerque Woodworkers Association (AWA) are excited to announce the creation of 21 new Little Free Library (LFL) book-sharing boxes that will be deployed to underserved areas across Albuquerque in the coming weeks.
WATCH: First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller announces Book Drive, new Little Free Libraries Locations
To stock these 20 new Little Free Libraries, the Office of Civic Engagement is hosting a city-wide book drive, prioritizing books by local and/or Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) authors. While we will be accepting any new or gently used books, we are prioritizing books by BIPOC authors to reflect Albuquerque’s diversity and stand in solidarity with racial justice movements happening across the nation.
First Lady Kistin Keller said, “For our family, the Little Free Libraries were instrumental in keeping our kids excited about learning as we stay at home, and continue to be a great way to get them excited about exploring new books and authors and also about sharing books they’ve loved with others in the area.”
This drive will run from November 1st until December 1st, and contactless donations can be dropped off in bins located at City Hall or any of the following Community Centers: Jeanne Bellamah, West Mesa, Los Duranes, Wells Park, Mesa Verde, Holiday Park, and Thomas Bell. Donation bins will be available at these locations during operating hours, from 8am to 5pm every weekday.
If you’d like to donate but aren’t sure which books would be appropriate, we’ve partnered with Bookworks to compile a list of suggested titles. You can also order books from this site, and they will be donated directly to the book drive. https://www.bkwrks.com/
In July 2020, the Office of Civic Engagement launched an official partnership with the Little Free Library national organization, encouraging residents to build their own LFLs. After coming across an article about the partnership, AWA member John Henderson thought an LFL building project would be a perfect fit for the group of almost 200 Woodworkers. AWA President Diane Galbraith and AWA leadership offered their full support, secured funding for all materials, and rallied their members to build 21 Little Free Libraries.
“It was an honor and a pleasure to be a part of such a great endeavor,” said Galbraith.
This project would not have been possible without the financial support of the Albuquerque City Council. For more information about Little Free Library, the book drive, and other ways to get involved, visit oneabqvolunteers.com or contact [email protected].
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About the Albuquerque Woodworkers Association: The Albuquerque Woodworkers Association is a nonprofit organization that has been interested for years in helping the community by doing projects that involve wood. The group was formed over twenty years ago and is comprised of almost 200 members from all walks of life: teachers, accountants, engineers, professional woodworkers, and retirees, to name a few. To learn more about the AWA’s mission, projects, and membership, visit www.abqawa.org.
About the Office of Civic Engagement: Established in June 2019, the Office of Civic Engagement is committed to creating unique, inclusive, and sustainable ways for community members to engage with local government and the community at large. In addition to deploying local volunteers, the Office of Civic Engagement works closely with the Corporation for National and Community Service to deploy AmeriCorps VISTAs in a variety of capacity-building projects.