Leadership NW planning Little Free Libraries in schools

TORRINGTON — A team from the NW Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Leadership Northwest Class of 2019 has chosen to support and promote the Little Free Library program as its team project, “Free Literacy in Litchfield County.”

The goal is to place Little Free Librarys at each of the Torrington Public Schools by June, thereby promoting literacy and the love of reading to school-age children in Torrington.

With this project, adults and children will have access to gently used books, encouraging the love of reading throughout Torrington. With the idea based on a “borrow a book, leave a book” rule, it promotes shared ownership and responsibility.

The team is looking for sponsorship from community, individuals and businesses to help with the cost of purchasing, installing and filling the Free Little Libraries in town. The goal is to raise $3,000 by April 1.

Community businesses or leaders who are interested in making a donation or sponsoring this project may contact Marysa Dailey with Litchfield Bancorp at 860482-9707. A plaque will be placed on the boxes for those purchasing certain levels of sponsorship as a thank you for their support.

The team has begun working with businesses, libraries and the Torrington Board of Education.

The team includes four professionals who work within Litchfield County: Marysa Dailey of Litchfield Bancorp, Shaun Calhoun of Torrington Savings Bank, Nan Merbaum of VNS, CT and Lucian Francillette of BD.

The mission of Leadership Northwest is to develop resourceful, motivated business leaders who are committed to making northwest Connecticut a better place to live and work. Part of this program is to work in small groups and develop a project that not only benefits communities immediately but is sustainable and continues to bring a positive impact on friends and neighbors in Litchfield County.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit nationwide program that encourages groups to work together with their community to provide boxes to hold “gently used,” donated books. For more information, go to www.littlefreelibrary.org