Lydia-Joi’s Little Library ribbon-cutting. -COURTESY PHOTO
The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers (HACFM) recently partnered with a local student, Lydia-Joi Holloway, to build a Little Library. The library is located outside of the Boys & Girls Club of Lee County within HACFM’s Renaissance Preserve community.
On Oct. 6, Holloway, her family and community supporters gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new library opening. This is the second Little Library Holloway has opened in Lee County. She proposed the idea to the HACFM board several months ago and partnered with its members to bring it to life, including Tobler Construction who helped build the library.
Little Libraries are a “take a book, share a book” free book exchange, often in small wooden boxes. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share with others. The library will offer children within the Boys & Girls Club educational opportunities and is a fun way for neighbors to connect and learn about each other’s interests.
Lydia-Joi with her parents. -COURTESY PHOTO
“My first Little Library was built by my grandpa, and recently this summer he passed away,” said Lydia-Joi Holloway. “I wanted to continue this initiative in his legacy and in his honor. There were times where I wanted to stop, but I continued to expand the initiative and make more connections and community partnerships.”
Holloway is a local National Junior Honor Society student, secretary of the Southwest Florida Chapter of Jack and Jill of America’s Teen Auxiliary and active J.O.Y. (Jesus Ordered Youth) member of Jesus Christ Outreach Center.
“The Housing Authority and our board are excited to help Lydia-Joi with her Little Library initiative,” said Marcia Davis, executive director of HACFM. “We are proud to support our on-site Boys & Girls Club and offer more engaging and educational opportunities to children in our community.”
“Access to books is one of the best ways to inspire curiosity and a love of reading,” said Denise Gergley, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. “We’re so grateful to Lydia-Joi for this thoughtful addition that will benefit our youth and the entire neighborhood.”
To learn more about the Housing Authority, visit HACFM.org or call 239-344-3222.
Lydia-Joi with Tobler Construction team. -COURTESY PHOTO
About the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers
The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers and its nonprofit development arm, the Southwest Florida Housing Foundation, serve as a catalyst for expanding access to safe, stable and sustainable housing throughout Southwest Florida. Together, they work to develop, preserve and revitalize communities through affordable rental housing. Their efforts support individuals, families and seniors across the region by connecting them with housing solutions and associated programs tailored to their needs. For more information, visit www.HACFM.org or call 239-344-3222.