Little Free Library, a community free book exchange system of mini-libraries at four locations, is an Education and Literacy project of Rotary in Delta’s community of Tsawwassen developed with students at South Delta Secondary School. This take-a-book-leave-a-book system to and from the book shelters is aimed at enhancing literacy and learning in Delta for not just students, but all residents.
The Little Free Library project began a few years ago when Rotarian James Latheron, a teacher, approached the Delta School District to help establish a partnership with students at South Delta Secondary School. His countless hours of working with teacher, Katrina Branden, and her students to build the little libraries has led to community book lending shelters at Diefenbaker Park, Pebble Hill Park, Grauer Park and Beach Grove Mini Park. Now the libraries are all stocked and in use.
 
The project was not only developed by Latheron and the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen with local high school students, it was a truly community collaboration of the Delta School District, Delta Community Literacy Committee, which made a significant donation of books to help stock the libraries, and Delta Parks, Recreation and Culture.
 
Latheron says, “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.”
 
Many members of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen have played a hands on role in 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 said the project is perfect for the club because it represents the core values of Rotary membership:  community, partnerships and education.  She says, “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!”
 
Superintendent of the Delta School District, Doug Sheppard, adds, “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 Rotary Club of Tsawwassen thanks all its partners and sponsors who helped bring the Little Free Lending Libraries to our community
SDSS Woodworking class of 2016 Teacher – and teacher Katrina Branden
Delta School DistrictHillmar Industries
Consolidated CoatingsSilver City Galvanizing
Wesgray ConstructionLadner Machine Shop
Southside FlooringDelta Community Literacy Committee
Delta Parks, Recreation & Culture