May 5, 2017 By Jason Cohen
With the temporary closure of the Forest Hills Library, one organization is doing its best to make sure people still have the opportunity to read.
In June, the Rego Park Green Alliance Studio, a nonprofit promoting community-oriented initiatives, will host its first pop-up library at MacDonald Park.
“One way that communities can be engaged is through literacy and reading,” said Yvonne Shortt, the executive director of RGPA. “One of the ways to make sure that happens is making books part of your every day.”
Shortt noted that after Barnes & Noble on Austin Street closed in 2015 there hasn’t been a place where people can relax and enjoy a book.
While she acknowledged that most people read on computers or smartphones, she feels there is still something special about having a book in one’s hand.
The plan is to have 150 to 200 books, including fiction, non-fiction and magazines. The books, which will be donated or purchased by Shortt and her staff, will be displayed on bookshelves that they are building.
The group is in the process of applying for permits from the Parks Department and once they are granted the goal is to hold the pop-up for one day late June on a Saturday or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. She added that Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz has provided her group with the funding for it.
If successful, the organization will look to do it again in another park.
“We don’t want books to become obsolete,” she stressed.
Featured Events
2 Comments
Thank you.
Note: The library will be back open by late June
I have some recent, once read, books to donate, Yvonne.