Photo courtesy of the Effingham Public Library.
EFFINGHAM, IL-(Effingham Radio)-The Effingham Public Library is excited to announce the Book Box has found a new, temporary home at a local store, where the free books will be easily accessible to members of the community.
The Book Box, which is a repurposed vending machine that dispenses free books, was located at the Effingham County Office Building in Downtown Effingham. However, the repairs related to the county’s elevator have made it necessary for the Book Box to be moved to a new location, which will be Martin’s IGA in Effingham.
“Effingham County has been a great partner for the Book Box, but unfortunately, we will have to temporarily move the Book Box to allow the county the space needed while the elevator is being repaired,” said Effingham Public Library Director Amanda McKay.
Because the Book Box has been very successful at distributing books at the County Building, library staff sought a location in the downtown area for the Book Box and asked Martin’s IGA to temporarily house the Book Box, until it can return back to the Effingham County Office Building.
“It is important to keep the Book Box in a central location where it can easily be accessed by community members,” said McKay. “We hope the new location at IGA will not only serve those who were already utilizing the machine, but also, those who may not have been aware of the service.”
Roger Myers, store manager of Martin’s IGA, is pleased the grocery store will be the new home for the Book Box and looks forward to seeing its impact on his customers.
“The Book Box is great for our store and the library,” said Myers. “We are happy to partner with the library to provide a location for the Book Box.”
The Book Box is part of Effingham Public Library’s strategic plan to reach underserved populations and to increase opportunities to build literacy in the Effingham area. Funding for the Book Box was provided by an initial grant from Better World Books.
The Book Box was officially installed at the Effingham County Office Building in September of 2016 and has dispensed nearly 10,000 books.
“We are pleased with the success of this program, and we love to hear all the positive comments about the Book Box. The number of books circulated from the Book Box has exceeded our expectations,” said McKay.
The Book Box dispenses a curated selection of free, donated books and is maintained by the staff and volunteers at the library.
Anyone is welcome to stop by Martin’s IGA and take a book from the Book Box.
For further information go to the Library’s website at www.effinghamlibrary.org/bookbox/ or call the library at 217-342-2464 x1, email info@effinghamlibrary.org
