HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-14-100 - Little Libraries in Neighbourhood Parks Staff Report
I rTC'.�► t .R Community Services Department wmkitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Community Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: September 8, 2014
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Hildebrand, Director Community Programs and Services,
519-741-2200, ext 7687
PREPARED BY: Abbie Grafstein, District Facilitator, 519-741-2200, ext 5484
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: August 29, 2014
REPORT NO.: CSD-14-100
SUBJECT: Little Libraries in City Parks
RECOMMENDATION:
For Information.
BACKGROUND:
According to LittleFreeLibrary.org, a Little Library is a "take-a-book, return-a-book
gathering place where neighbors share their favorite literature and stories. In its most
basic form, a Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and
pick up a book (or two) and bring back another book to share." Little Libraries are
appearing on front lawns across the region, and they are part of a larger, world-wide
movement.
Little Libraries of KW (LLKW) is an organization that supports local residents and
groups to set up and maintain their own Little Libraries, encouraging literacy and
community building. Typically Little Libraries are wooden boxes with glass doors which
are affixed to posts on front lawns. Homeowners or tenants maintain the libraries by
initially filling them with books and periodically monitoring their contents.
REPORT:
The City of Kitchener was recently approached about establishing a little library in
Tremaine Park. Staff will be working with neighbourhood residents in the fall to pilot this
project in the park with the potential to look at a broader City-wide program in the future.
Staff in Parks Design and Development has reported that little libraries have already
been installed in some parks without their prior knowledge (e.g. Breithaupt Park,
Pioneer Natural Area). To date staff has not received any complaints from the
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surrounding community about these little libraries and believe a City-wide program, with
a formalized process would be helpful for residents who wish to install little libraries in
their local park.
The City of Waterloo already has a "Little Library on parkland" program which includes
• an application form
• requirements for structures (i.e. size, materials, design),
• key responsibilities of volunteers from the local community (i.e. costs, installation,
maintenance of structure; monitoring of contents of little library.
• registration with LLKW
A description of the City of Waterloo's "Little Library on parkland" program is attached in
Appendix A. Staff will explore the development of a little library program in City parks
that is similar to the City of Waterloo's program.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
This project supports the community priorities of Quality of Life and Community
Leadership and Engagement by providing greater opportunities for neighbours to work
together on a community project and to meet each other at a new neighbourhood focal
point.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Staff are suggesting that costs associated with the purchase, installation and
maintenance of the little library structures be covered by the interested community
volunteers.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
CONSULT/COLLABORATE — Residents in the Tremaine Park neighbourhood have
approached the City of Kitchener about establishing a little library in the park. Staff
anticipates working closely with residents at several meetings/site visits to establish
parameters for this pilot project.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May, Deputy CAO Community Services
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Appendix A
r1m71111711111"DOMINION lllilllllilli 11 am MM W
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Loing-term special prq ect: Little Library oni parkiland
Partners tin Parks pro ramp
Neighbourhoodi Associations or individuials may purchase and marritain a Gity-appfaved"Lilte liibrary'
box to,be linstalled wiIiiiiin a n6ghbOL1Mc*d park for a 2 year renewable lerm,asagreedl upon by the
City of Waterky), Little libraries are smarlweather-proof Ibo xes attaidied to a post or approved
structure Mthin a neghbourhood park, The corrimunifty,fills the box Wth Itno oks which residents can
then take and leave as,they please.. The purls.,e- of Me Little, Library m to promote.literacy and
connect the community
Structure requirements
• puirchase kilt from Little Libraries of Kitchener-Waterloo (w MJIS..A,. g)or burld-your-Owni box
("shect"or'gable"box)following their dimension specifications
• nxiAmum of one Little Library permitted per publilc park in an approved l.ation%Mftini the park
• paMt and seal box that is not otfensNe and include a Gity of Waterloo sticker anidlor QR code to
the plexlg ass on door panel
• install box on an 8 foot pressure-treated post(4'x,4')or other existing stnicture
• no fighting of any kind is perTnitted
Keyactivitle
Two Partnefs lin Parks indNiclual lProject Volunteers(from separate households)will be responsible
for the following activities,for a two,year reri lefrri
• cost assoiclated wit hi the Purchase, installation and general maVenance/rep&of the stmiirfture
• assemble,paiint and seal the entlre box,as required, using own hand tools (power tools are not
pernilted)
• register the locabon of the box locally(Ilkw.calliionour-roill�
• monitor to ensure only appropriate reading material us located withiin the structure(i,e, books Hiat
would be found In a pubfic Ilibra ry)and remove any Inappropriate material or fitter as soon as
possible
• modffication, renerwall and terminatilon of the Partners in Parks agreement includes:
• any future alterations must be reviewedlapproved Iby the Cry, pirwor to carr)Mg OLA the work
• rl deemed necessary, Me City may alter or diiscontAie tine project at any tilime during the
agreement Upon notificatiori may Involve the Gity assurniing maintenance of the project,
dormisizinig(lie scale of the project or removing sonie or alll contents of the project based on
condiitions outlined in the Partners in Parks, carnnitinity guide
Timing
The IndirOdual Project Volunteer is encourard to complete the, necessary docurnentation to initiate
the project two months in advancle of beginniing the proposed pfolect. Utifity locate clearance is
requ red before any digging occurs
Palners nn Parks,cornmunfty guide-0 City of War do (2,007,20,13)
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