DJJ Cares: District 8 Builds a Free Little Library

In partnership with Columbus Parks and Recreation, DJJ employees in District 8 recently built and painted a “Little Free Library” in Muscogee County. Little Free Library is an international non-profit that aims to instill the love of reading through neighborhood book exchanges. The organization also aims to increase access to books for low-income communities.

The goal of this project is to increase literacy rates in high-risk Muscogee County communities. Many children there do not have access to a local library. District 8 and Columbus Parks and Recreation held a book drive in which employees and members of the community collected books for all age groups. Employees will ensure the library remains stocked and maintained. The two-self wooden structure will run just like a traditional library. Children who take a book are asked to return it when they are finished reading it. Studies show that when youth succeed scholastically, they are less likely to be placed in the juvenile justice system.  District 8 and Columbus Parks and Recreation thank those who donated books and other reading materials to the library.

DJJ continues to remain committed to giving back to the communities in which they serve.