In celebration of National Literacy Week in March, Wichita State University’s Community Service Board (CSB) led a student driven project focused on supporting early childhood literacy in the Shocker Neighborhood.
What started as a campus book drive turned into a larger service project centered around access to books for young readers. Students were invited to donate children’s books which resulted in 258 books collected across campus. These books will be donated to Kids’ World, an early childhood development center in the Shocker Neighborhood, along with a Little Free Library created and designed by students.
The project was a collaborative effort led by Shocker Neighborhood Chair Matthew Cannon alongside members of the Community Service Board. CSB member Lillith Shook designed and hand painted the Little Free Library while Civic Engagement Graduate Assistant Haley Ensz also assisted with painting and bringing the final design together. The finished library reflects both the creativity and care that went into the project while also serving as a lasting resource for families in the area.
In addition to collecting books, the project gave students the opportunity to create something meaningful that will continue serving the community beyond a single event or donation. The Little Free Library is intended to encourage reading and provide children and families with easier access to books close to home.
The completed library and collected books will be delivered to Kids’ World on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
This project highlights Wichita State students’ commitment to community engagement and finding hands on ways to support and connect with the Wichita community.
###