June and Jolene Raymond at the free lending library, looking at a photo of Cassidy Charette. (contributed photo)
The newest community Little Free Library to pop up in central Maine is shining a light on youth literacy and putting books into the hands of hundreds of children who attend the Kennebec Valley YMCA, in Augusta. The ShineOnCass Lending Library was installed this week, just in time for National Reading Month.
Jennifer Fortin, Senior Director for Development and Marketing for the KVYMCA, called the lending library a creative and meaningful way to support local kids.
“We are excited to partner with the ShineOnCass Foundation to bring this special library to the families and youth at the YMCA,” Fortin said. “We have a shared mission to support local youth, and through this joint endeavor, we will build community, while promoting a love of reading for all ages. Literacy is crucial for everyone. It’s the foundation for accessing knowledge, participating in society, and thriving in all aspects of life, from education and employment to health and civic engagement.”
Children are welcome to select a book of their choice to borrow, read it at home or at the facility, and either return it, or share a different book by replacing it with one of their own. The ShineOnCass Foundation designed, created and donated the 6-foot, bright yellow, floating sun bookcase, as well as hundreds of children’s books to keep it stocked. The ShineOnCass Foundation was created to spread kindness and promote youth volunteerism in memory of Cassidy Charette, an Oakland teen who died in a hayride accident in 2014. This is the second lending library to be gifted to local children. The first was established four years ago at the Alfond Youth & Community Center, in Waterville, where youth there enjoy daily access to the lending library.
“Cassidy was an avid, lifelong reader. Her love for books began before she could even read the words in them,” said Monica Charette, Cassidy’s mother and executive director of the ShineOnCass Foundation. “We can think of no better way to honor Cassidy than by sharing her passion for reading with other children.”
The ShineOnCass Foundation will continue to donate a variety of hardcover and paperback books, including selections promoting kindness, diversity, and selections addressing grief. Additionally, the Charette family donated some of Cassidy’s personal books to the collection.
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