In celebration of National Literacy Week in March, Wichita State University’s Community Service Board (CSB) led a student driven project focused on supporting early childhood literacy in the Shocker Neighborhood.
What started as a campus book drive turned into a larger service project centered around access to books for young readers. Students were invited to donate children’s books which resulted in 258 books collected across campus. These books will be donated to Kids’ World, an early childhood development center in the Shocker Neighborhood, along with a Little Free Library created and designed by students.
The Little Free Library was a collaborative effort led by CSB member Lillith Shook who designed and hand painted the structure. Civic Engagement Graduate Assistant Haley Ensz also assisted with painting and helped bring the final design together. The finished library reflects the creativity and effort of the students involved while also serving a practical purpose by making books more accessible to families in the area.
The project was led by a student in partnership with Shocker Neighborhood Chair Matthew Cannon and reflects CSB’s ongoing focus on service, leadership and community connection. Alongside the book donations, the Little Free Library is intended to provide a lasting resource that encourages reading beyond a single event or donation.
The completed library and collected books will be delivered to Kids’ World on Wednesday, May 6 at 3 p.m.
This project highlights Wichita State students’ commitment to showing up for the community in meaningful hands on ways that turn ideas into something tangible that can continue to grow and be used over time.
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