Bowling Green, McVey K-Kids Unveil 'Little Free Library'

Bowling Green and McVey K-Kids recently completed a Kiwanis project promoting literacy.

"The Bowling Green and McVey K-Kids Little Free Library" was unveiled Thursday at Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) where it was placed in the pediatrics unit thanks to the support of NUMC Kiwanis Club president Linda Walsh.

This extended project began approximately six months ago, after the K-Kids learned of the Little Free Library Program. After doing a little research, the K-Kids began securing funds to purchase a Little Free Library. LISC Kiwanis LtG-Designate Ann Torcivia made a generous donation from the Joey Foundation for the purchase of the Little Free Library.

K-Kids were given templates of each of the Little Free Library’s sides and roof and were asked to submit design ideas. The K-Kids’ designs were handed off to NUMC's art therapists who combined them and painted the Little Free Library.

Thanks to book donations, including a very generous donation arranged by Bethpage Central Park Kiwanis Club president Joanne Foley, the Little Free Library was unveiled with a surplus of books.

The K-Kids’ Little Free Library differs from a traditional library in that books may be borrowed and read but need not be returned. The Little Free Library encourages pediatric patients and visitors to take home the books and keep them. Patients and others may also donate books to the library.

At the Sept. 26 grand opening, Bowling Green K-Kids DIPP Kira, president Aline and McVey K-Kids president Zack presented the Governor’s Project Banner Patch Request Form to LISC Divisional Governors Project chair DPLG Warren Kalmanson.

After the official unveiling, K-Kids members in attendance stocked the Little Free Library with a selection of new books and free bookmarks.

Bowling Green K-Kids faculty advisor LtG-Elect Rich Santer and McVey K-Kids Kiwanis advisor Carla Vultaggio enjoyed having the two clubs work together. The advisors hope that the K-Kids can continue working together to host read-alouds for patients and other projects to maintain the Little Free Library.

The K-Kids are anxiously awaiting their Governor’s Project Banner patches.