Read to Me, Charlotte, a community-wide initiative coordinated by the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) launched three Mobile Bookshelf programs this month. The project is similar to what is sometimes seen in medical waiting rooms where books and magazines are on hand for waiting kids and parents. This idea is a little different. The books are just for kids and the kids can take the books home if they like. The colorful bookshelves can be seen in the Tot Lot at the Department of Social Services (DSS) located at 301 Billingsley Rd, Soap Suds Coin Laundry at 8314 Pineville-Matthews Road and the Stratford Richardson YMCA. Family Literacy Coordinator Amy Kukla hopes that the project will take off so that hundreds of children who visit these locations will receive books. In the celebrations for the launches alone, 102 children were given a book to take home.

The first Mobile Bookshelf was launched at DSS because of their well-developed “Tot Lot” concept. At the DSS “tot lot” kids are supervised by a tot lot coordinator while their parents wait for DSS services. In the Tot Lot, children have the opportunity to read books and develop fine motor skills by coloring, drawing and manipulating puzzles. Stories are read to the children and free books are distributed. According to Joyce Gottlieb, Administrative Support Supervisor, “We serve anywhere from 15 to 30 children daily. We are proud to promote literacy to all customers through this collaboration with the Public Library. Not only do we give away books, we also take applications for library cards."

Children’s books may be donated to the Read to Me Mobile bookshelf project by contacting Amy Kukla at akukla@plcmc.org or calling (704) 416-0561.


Photos available on flickr:
1) Kids get free books at mobile bookshelf launch: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31977918@N04/2990237378/

2) Library staff reach kids through storytelling and free books: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31977918@N04/2990237184/