Results: We are in our fourth year in what we hope will become a permanent location, 6,950 square feet with 3,000 square feet of off-campus storage for books and media. Our impact on the community, particularly on home-schooling families has been subtle but obvious and was noticeably significant during the pandemic when schools were closed and many parents were without work. We were able to remain open, providing school books, workbooks, computer software, and media to families in their greatest time of need. Thanks to the retired teachers and educational professionals who had retired and donated their libraries to the Friends of the Library, we were able to provide valuable teaching guidance and assistance to parents who were schooling at home for the first time. We also maintain a large selection of religious topic books for all who are interested and particularly for those who are studying for the ministry. The religious topic section includes books from three closed church libraries and more than a dozen pastors, priests, and other clergy.
Target demographics: Children's, Youth and Family Literacy
Direct beneficiaries per year: hundreds of local and regional individuals and families, 28 non-profit organizations, social service agencies and the Wichita Falls jail with books for inmates.a Falls Public Library.
Geographic areas served: Wichita Falls and Wichita County, Texas
Programs: We have a 7,000 sq. ft. facility with at least 80,000 books on shelves plus magazines and other media, 50 Little Free Libraries, most located near schools and early head-start facilities, an annual free Dr. Seuss Birthday Party, free books for children and youth, and free nonfiction books for anyone claiming low income.
