More free reading on its way
THIRTY little libraries, built by prisoners at Spring Hill Corrections Facility, are to be released into the Waikato soon.
Each library will hold about 20 or 30 books that can be borrowed or exchanged, and are part of Waikato District Council’s Placemaking programme.
“We are a district of small communities, and this is a popular idea with book lovers who do not have a local public library,” said Waikato District Council acting chief executive Tony Whittaker.
The project kicked off nearly a year ago with the first little library installed in Pokeno, together with seating and historic photos of the town and six more were put up in Huntly earlier this year.
Huntly Community Board chair Katrina Langlands said the project was about making public spaces more inviting and enjoyable for all. “We invite the community to donate books for the little libraries so that visitors to our township can sit and read in our public places, or borrow or exchange the books with one of their own.”
Communities being offered a little library built by prisoners at Spring Hill will start meeting at the end of this month to identify where and how the little libraries will be installed and decorated to suit the local community.
These include Waingaro, Glen Massey, Waitetuna, Glen Afton/Pukemiro, Naike, Te Akau, Onewhero, Matangi, Tauwhare, Maramarua, Mangatangi, Mangatawhiri, Puketaha, Tamahere, Pukekawa, Port Waikato, Mercer, Eureka, Whatawhata, Te Uku, Ohinewai, Orini, Whitikahu, Waiterimu, Waerenga, Te Kowhai, Glen Murray, Rotongaro, Rangiriri and Te Hoe.
Megan Tuhoro, acting assistant Prison Director – Industry, Rehabilitation & Learning said it was a valuable chance for prisoners to contribute back to their community.
“We appreciate the opportunity to be part of this interesting local project which will enhance the skill levels of prisoners and help with their reintegration back into the community.”
- Don’t forget to check out the Book Box in Gordonton village, which has been delivering free reading since January 2016. Here’s to more happy reading!
