Members of the Rotary Club of Knoxville have officially opened a Little Free Library for residents of The Vista at Summit Hill to expand access to books, inspire readers of all ages and build community.
Rotary Club members and representatives of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 15.
“Our literacy committee is very aware of the importance of books in homes,” said Ginny Weatherstone, leader of the project for Rotary Club of Knoxville. “We also know that books are expensive and might not be in the budget. The Little Free Library is a way to get books into the hands of children and families and encourage them to foster a love for reading.”
The free library is the Rotary Club of Knoxville’s second in the city with the first located at KCDC’s Western Heights housing site. The Vista’s library will provide books to children and adults as requested by residents in the area. In 2021, the club hosted a book drive and fundraiser that helped the service organization expand the program and be able to restock the shelves regularly.
“We are glad to partner again with Rotary Club of Knoxville to bring a Little Free Library to the families at The Vista,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “We hope that one day each community has the opportunity to enjoy a sponsored library onsite. Increased access to books for children and adults makes our communities stronger.”
Representatives from Rotary Club of Knoxville and Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation officially open a new Little Free Library at KCDC’s The Vista at Summit Hill community on Feb. 15. Ceremony participants include, from left: KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley and Senior Asset Manager Linda Jeter; Ginny Weatherstone, literacy committee chair, and Ginny Morrow, president, of Rotary Club of Knoxville; and literacy committee members Eric Lutton, Chemain Kellogg and Kim Isenberg.
Members of the public can provide books for The Vista’s library by dropping off donations at the Crowne Plaza Knoxville hotel, located at 401 W. Summit Hill Drive or calling Weatherstone at 865-661-1004.
In addition to The Vista at Summit Hill, KCDC properties with Little Free Library access include Five Points, Western Heights and Lonsdale Homes. KCDC is seeking individual, corporate or organization donors to add the libraries at Autumn Landing, Montgomery Village, Nature’s Cove and North Ridge Crossing. Several KCDC properties focused on the elderly and disabled, Cagle Terrace and Northgate Terrace, maintain indoor libraries and also are in need of donations and assistance in maintaining those larger collections. To inquire about donating books, contact [email protected].