Four Little Free Libraries Come to Tsawwassen
 
On Monday, September 11th the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen and their partners, the Delta School District, Delta Community Literacy Committee and Delta Parks, Recreation and Culture helped to fill one of the new Libraries at Diefenbaker Park with new books.  There are three additional Little Free Library locations at Pebble Hill Park, Grauer Park at South Delta Recreation Centre and Beach Grove Mini Park and all are stocked and ready for use.
 
A few years ago, Rotarian James Latheron approached the School District to help establish a partnership with students at South Delta Secondary School and he worked for many hours alongside teacher Katrina Branden, and her students to build five of these Little Libraries.  Branden was delighted with the process and commented:
 
“As a teacher, not only am I delighted to see the promotion of written and visual literacy, but also the support for construction and design literacy projects.  Giving students more hands-on, community-based projects engages them beyond the walls of the school, and creates important opportunities for our future.  I strongly support and would love to collaborate on, more community-based projects in the future.”
 
Superintendent of the Delta School District, Doug Sheppard, added, “These beautiful lending libraries are not only charming to look at; they embody Delta's commitment to supporting literacy in our communities.  Access to books, and the open sharing of stories and ideas, is a fundamental part of what learning is all about. I am so pleased that our students at South Delta Secondary were able to be a part of the building of these lovely book shelters, and I look forward to seeing our students and readers of all ages out and enjoying these little nooks of knowledge.”
 
The support for community literacy also includes the Delta Community Literacy Committee with a significant donation of books to help stock the libraries.  Ailsa Howard explains that the Committee “has a mission to enhance the literacy and learning in Delta”.
 
Councillors Bruce McDonald and Heather King were joined by Deputy Director of Delta Parks, Recreation and Culture, Todd Stewardson, were also on hand. On behalf of the Corporation of Delta, Mayor Lois Jackson thanked the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen for “enhancing our neighbourhoods with a new opportunity for people to connect and share reading experiences with neighbours and friends of all ages.”
 
Many members of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen have been hands for the creation, finishing and installation of this project and have donated books but there is a further commitment from Rotarians to be stewards of each these libraries on an ongoing basis.   President Laura Dixon says the project is perfect for the club because it represents the core values of their membership:  community, partnerships and education.  She said, “all we ask of the community is that you come by from time to time drop off a book you think others may enjoy, take a book you would like to read -  it’s that simple!”
 
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen would like to thank all of its partners who helped bring the Little Free Lending Libraries to our community: 
 
Delta School District
SDSS Woodworking class of 2016 Teacher – and teacher Katrina Branden
Consolidated Coatings
Silver City Galvanizing
Wesgray Construction
Ladner Machine Shop
Southside Flooring
Delta Community Literacy Committee
Delta Parks, Recreation & Culture
 
All are welcome at our next community events:
 
Sunday, September 17th Terry Fox Run  Starting at a new location South Delta Recreation Centre, registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the run starts at 10:00 a.m.
 
September 21st Commemoration of the International Peace Day starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Tsawwassen Town Centre Library and 4:00 p.m. at the Peace Pole in Rotary Square at Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall.
 
Rotary Club of Tsawwassen volunteers support local, international and youth projects. Recently having celebrated the induction of their 100th member they are always looking for like minded people to join who enjoy fun, fellowship and live or work in our community.  Find out more at:  http://www.rotarytsawwassen.org/