An inter-generational program started in the Stettler region during the COVID-19 pandemic is now complete.
Four little libraries have been placed in Stettler, as well as one in Erskine and one in Botha.
The libraries were built with a grant from the Rural Mental Health Project and in partnership with the Stettler Public Library, Family and Community Support Services, the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Club of Stettler and the Town and County of Stettler.
Area resident Wayne Paul invited several youth from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program to his wood shop to construct the little libraries, which were then painted by the Heartland Youth Centre Art Attack club.
Once they were constructed, Stettler Public Library supplied books for the little libraries, and they were put up in the communities by both the Town of Stettler and the Country of Stettler.
The libraries operate on a “take a book, leave a book” system.
According to Andrea Lee, one of the organizers behind the little libraries, the project was designed to promote family literacy and inter-generational family learning.
In Stettler, the libraries can be found at the Tot Lot, in West Stettler Park, at Viking Park, and at Heartland Youth Centre.
The library in Erskine is located near the Waverly Club rooms, and the Botha library is located beside the community hall.