Kingman area residents can pick up a free book and leave another one at Little Free Libraries in the community, thanks to support from UniSource Energy Services.
Our company made a $2,000 donation to help pay for 10 book-sharing boxes posted at key spots throughout the city. The Little Free Libraries are part of a movement to help inspire literacy from youngsters to elders across communities.
“It’s a good way for families to unite in a positive manner,” said Missy Grasser, Lead Operations Support Analyst. “It fosters an awareness and fondness for learning.”
The little libraries stemmed from the Kingman Literacy Project of the Venture Club of Kingman, which employees have participated in a service organization that aims to provide beneficial resources at no cost to residents.
The club partnered with an education and rehabilitation program at the Arizona State Prison Complex so that inmates could provide the craftsmanship and woodworking for the library boxes.
UniSource’s donation covered the costs for the paint and equipment, including metal poles and cement, to install the 10 boxes. Volunteers put up the first two libraries over summer 2020 and there were seven libraries total as of spring 2021. The remaining libraries are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
A local artist painted each library with unique decorations. A Dr. Seuss theme decorates the library at the Building Blocks Preschool, while a box at the Hope Haven hospice facility features a bird theme.
The project reflects UniSource’s philanthropic focus on promoting education, especially literacy. In addition to the little libraries, UniSource made donations to local chapters of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to provide free books to children up to five years old.
This story is part of our ongoing series highlighting one of TEP’s philanthropic focus areas – education. TEP works with non-profit partners to develop invitation-based donation requests for community assistance. Funds come from corporate resources, not customers’ rates. Learn more about donations.
