The City of Columbia’s “Columbia Streams Art” public art program unveiled the first of its new series of community mini libraries at St. John’s Baptist Church and Preparatory School. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, District One City Councilwoman Tina Herbert, St. John Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Jamey O. Graham and neighborhood leaders detailed how the mini libraries are intended to further literary outcomes throughout Columbia communities. Following the debut, more than 20 mini libraries will be placed throughout the City. For example, The Lourie Senior Center will place one mini library on their site stocked with senior resource and information materials.
“As we were thinking of ways to make impacts in our neighborhoods not only through art, we wanted to make sure we left something that would help develop creative thoughts in our young people’s minds,” Mayor Rickenmann said. “Strategically placing these mini libraries in our communities, where kids not only have access to books in the library, but right around the corner from their house, or their daycare center or preschool.”
The mini libraries are newspaper vending machine reproductions that have been vibrantly painted by children attending Columbia Parks & Recreation after-school programs, as well as seniors attending art classes at the Lourie Center. The mini libraries will be stocked with books generously provided by the Columbia community through a book drive held at City Hall.
The first mini libraries will be placed at:
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Nay’s Early Learning Academy | 4901 Monticello Road – 29203
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Got Milk Cereal Bar | 3730 B North Main Street – 29203
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Saint John Preparatory School | 3404 West Beltline Boulevard – 29203
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Lourie Senior Center | 1650 Park Circle – 29201
