Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/792573
19 website maps every library installed as an official part of its network, making it easy for people to find a location – even when traveling. After Doyle primed the boxes, it took Eastern APSO voulunteers about an hour to paint the walls for each of the six libraries. "We had more than 20 members helping decorate the boxes," said Walker, Marketing specialist - Anniston Office. Partnering to fill educational niche The United Way of East Central Alabama is thrilled to partner with APSO on the project, said Shannon Jenkins, president and CEO of UWECA for three years. Eastern APSO has partnered with UWECA on several projects in the past. "We, as an organization, have our eyes on Little Free Libraries for our communities, and thought it would be a neat thing to do for residents in our county," Jenkins said. With United Way dollars allocated to numerous projects, his organization was seeking a partner to help move its educational efforts forward. "In Calhoun County, like many rural counties, our population struggles with not having mass transportation for some residents," Jenkins said. "For some residents, getting to a public library takes a lot of time." Little Free Libraries appeal to children and adults, filling an educational niche for United Way. Through UWECA, Calhoun County families can sign up their children to receive free books from birth through their fifth birthday. That's about 38,000 free books a year, at a cost of about $30 per child. But United Way wants a continuum when that project ends, Jenkins said. "Once kids graduate to their fifth year, our concern is in the summer; where are they getting their reading materials outside of school?" he said. "We want to instill the love of reading in children because it's one of the first things to promote engagement within the family. "Our vision is to give these communities access to good books," Jenkins said. "We knew this would be a good project for Eastern Division APSO, and we're really excited about what they are doing in our communities." Find Eastern APSO's Little Free Libraries Click on littlefreelibrary.org or visit Eastern APSO's Little Free Libraries: • Golden Springs Community Center • Jacksonville Community Center • Piedmont Community Center • YMCA of Calhoun County • Weaver City Park. Eastern Division Office Accounting Training Coordinator Barnestra Jones places books in community Little Free Library.