A free neighbor exchange of books is now available at the Berkeley Heights YMCA
At the Summit Area YMCA, we are dedicated to providing all members of our community with opportunities to learn, grow and thrive through our programs and services. In collaboration with the Little Free Library, a nonprofit organization that inspires neighborhood book exchanges around the world, the Berkeley Heights YMCA (a branch of the Summit Area YMCA) officially opened its first Little Free Library on October 13, 2017. The first of its kind in the Berkeley Heights area, the location of the Little Free Library is directly outside the front doors of the Berkeley Heights YMCA at 550 Springfield Avenue in Berkeley Heights, NJ.
Little Free Libraries encourage a “take a book” or “donate a book” ethos that increases access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds. Thanks to the generosity of the Berkeley Heights Public Library with their initial donation of books, the Berkeley Heights YMCA was able to start their Little Free Library.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, up to 61% of low-income families do not have any books for their kids at home. Scholastic also reports that 21% of parents with children say they personally read for fun—however, this is down from 28% in 2010, and 30% in 2012. One of the most successful ways to improve the reading achievement of children is to increase their access to books, especially at home. In addition to providing a Little Free Library, the Summit Area YMCA also provides classes, childcare curriculum, and summer camps focusing on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics topics for youth. To register for Fall 2 youth enrichment classes, visit: www.thesay.org/youthenrichment
The Summit Area YMCA is one of area’s leading 501c3 organizations. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those with demonstrated need. To strengthen your community and provide others with the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, make your tax-deductible donation today at www.theSAY.org/give.