Encouraging Literacy With Community Book Lending
Corrine Keane, building manager of the BCYF Flaherty Pool, standing in front of the community bookcase
Bringing literacy to all is a personal passion for Corinne Keane, the building manager of the Boston Centers for Youth and Families – Flaherty Pool here in Roslindale. About a year ago, Keane and the Friends of the Roslindale Library worked together to setup a bookcase for a small number of books in the pool’s lobby. The plan was to have users borrow and return their books or donate new books.
Over the last few months, the bookcase has become a successful example of community book lending.
“People love to read,” Keane said. “Not everyone goes to the library, but they still like to read, so why not bring the books here.”
Parents read the books while waiting for their kids using the pool and senior citizens pick up a book when they come to swim. The books are so popular with kids that Keane says she has had a hard time keeping young adult and chapter books on the bookcase.
“People are so overextended these days,” Keane said. “So sometimes it is easier to help bring them the books while they are here at the pool.”
The bookcase has also had a personal impact in Keane’s life, as she says she has discovered authors she didn’t know of before and opened up her mind to new literature.
The bookcase was purchased by Keane with an authorization from the Roslindale Community Center Council. The initial book donations came from Keane and the Friends. The Flaherty Pool is not the only place where you can find a community bookshelf in Roslindale; there is also one at the Roslindale Community Center.
“The Friends would be willing to work with other businesses and organizations in Roslindale interested in installing a bookcase, no matter how big or small, and who are dedicated to managing the flow of books,” said Laura Gang, former president of the Friends of Roslindale Library.
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