National Park College (NPC) Child Care Aware of West Central Arkansas (CCAWCA) celebrated
the grand opening of a Little Free Library Thursday. CCAWCA is the third official
Little Free Library in the area.
One of CCAWCA’s initiatives is to promote literacy. Program director Terri Helms,
stated, “Literacy is the key to success, whether that is in school or in life.” The
library will be accessible to people of all ages and will be stocked with books for
every age range. Their goal is to get books into homes.
Program assistant, Donny Caudill said, “We want to reach those that may not be able
to buy a book or those that don’t have time to go to the library.” Library visitors
can take a book and leave a book, but should not be discouraged from visiting if they
cannot leave a book.
"Literacy is one of the most critical skills for children to develop at an early age.
The Little Free Library was founded to promote literacy skills and is the largest
book sharing program in the world," said Kelli Embry, Vice President for Workforce
and Strategic Initiatives. "NPC and Child Care Aware are excited to be a part of the
movement to encourage reading and hope that our little free library will be utilized
by students, employees, childcare professionals, and the community that surrounds
NPC."
CCAWCA grant funds and donations from the Garland County Library will help keep the
Little Free Library stocked. CCAWCA will expand the Little Free Library to their Bryant
and Pine Bluff locations with the hope of building more in the community.
Pictured left to right is Thomas Gage, LesLee Jones, Hope Mason, Terri Helms, Jackie
Riley, and Donny Caudill.
