P&Ragenda2022May10 (2)
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recommending the installation of a fence to separate users from the road near
Roper Field and the fields dugout. The committee requested staff return with
playground option for their consideration.
3.Updates
Bowman Lake Trail Access from Pocono Place
Amphitheater Update
Blue Ridge Volleyball Association / CB Park Volleyball Court improvement
discussions.
Sherando Park Sign Replacement
VDOT / Sherando Park Bike/Ped Acceess Improvement Concepts
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Attachment 1
Frederick County Parks and Recreation2022 Project Proposal
Strengthening Community Literacy through Winchester Little Libraries
Requested by:
Andy Gail, Executive Director
Literacy Volunteers of Winchester
Athena Michael, Ed, MLIS
Chair Winchester Little Libraries
athenasmichael@gmail.com
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540-533-8971
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
More than 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third-grade level. To combat this issue,
Little Free Library (LFL) is the world’s largest book-sharing movement building community,
inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all. According to the LFL nonprofit, the LFL
neighborhood book exchanges have profoundly increased access to books for readers of all ages
).
and backgrounds increasing literacy (www.littlefreelibrary.org
In September 2020, during the height of the pandemic, a group of educators created the
Winchester Little Libraries (WLL) with the support of The Boy Scouts of America (Winchester
Branch) as an Eagle Scout project . Per the request of Athena Michael in September 2020 to the
Executive Director Andy Gail, WLL became a Committee of the Literacy Volunteers of
Winchester (LVW).
In 2021, WLLdocumented all existing pocket libraries located in Winchester (See Winchester
Little Libraries PPT). With the assistance of Westminster Canterbury, all current structures in
disrepair have been reconstructed. This goal was completed by 12/31/21.
Currently, WLL received a grant from the John and Jane Wyatt Foundation to construct 13 little
libraries. Winchester Parks and Recreation’s Board approved for these structures to be place in
the 13 community parks. Local artists are designing murals on these structures. Inauguration will
take place to coincide with the Handley Regional Library’s Summer Reading Program. In
addition, Winchester Parks and Recreation approved the two structures to be placed at the end of
two park StoryWalks.
With regards to book donations and storage, Winchester Little Libraries has a dedicated
volunteer who is involved in marketing our events and soliciting donations via social media.
LVW has partnered with Randolph-Macon Academy for their students to hold a book drive with
the goal of 300 new or lightly used books. All donated books are stamped with the LVW logo
but plans to change the logo to include WLL will be created by Shenandoah University Graphic
Designer and launched in 2022. LVW has volunteers from Handley High School students who
volunteer on a regular basis to sort and stamp books, as well as distribute books. Also, WLL has
four dedicated volunteers that distribute book donations once a month to all 25 locations. As we
expand the number of WLL, we will increase the number of volunteers for distribution of books
that will continue on a monthly basis.
Recently, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Winchester Cold Storage and Logistics has
contacted us to donate storage space to store book donations. A library will be created for the
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books. Currently, LVW is storing book donations in limited space where classrooms were held
prior to Covid. We plan to remove all books from this location in January to this facility. All
book donations are stamped with LVW logo. This storage unit will allow WLL to centralize
book donations and distribution allowing for a more definitive method to track data and the
impact of book donations. Plans are to create a centralized database to track incoming and
outgoing book distributions.
MISSION
To advance and strengthen literacy throughout the Shenandoah Valley region.
PARTNERS
City of Winchester
David Smith, Mayor
Jason Brown, Assistant Director of Winchester Parks and Recreation
Frederick County Public Schools
Danielle Snapp, Art Teacher, James Wood High School
Handley Regional Library
Katie Moss,Children’s Librarian
Literacy Volunteers of Winchester
Andy Gail, Executive Director/Co-Chair Winchester Little Libraries
Athena Michael, Co-Chair, Winchester Little Libraries
Shenandoah University
Colby Smith, Graphic Designer/Communications Department
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum
Dawn Devine, Executive Director
Westminster Canterbury
Jimmy Harp, Construction
Herb Mast, Construction
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PROPOSAL
WLL is requesting to install a little library at the end of the StoryWalk trail at
Rosehill. WLL is seeking support from Frederick County Parks and Recreation to
installation the WLL.
BUDGET
No funds are required from Frederick County Parks and Recreation. Funds have
been procured from a grant through Civitan International. ICAN2 and Westminster
Canterbury will construction the WLL. At present, WLL will find a local artist to
design a mural.
COMPLETION
This proposal will be completed by Labor Day 2022.
MARKETING STRATEGY
Winchester Little Libraries will be featured on the LVW website.
A plaque that will feature the Literacy Volunteers of Winchester Area, WLL, ICAN2, and
Westminster Canterbury..
A film/documentary will be created regarding the process of the project to show on websites and
at conferences.
Completion of the project will be advertised in local media such as The Winchester Star and
radio stations and social media outlets
REFERENCES
Unsolicited Testimonial sent to Andy Gail, Executive Director
On Tue, Dec 14, 2021 at 12:46 PM Herman Mast
<buoyeveryday1@gmail.com> wrote:
G'day all,
On behalf of Jimmy Harp and myself (Herm Mast), who are currently the
Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury Woodshop principals, I am pleased
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to report on this past year's efforts to upgrade/restore Little Free Libraries in and
around Winchester. In the last few months, we've rebuilt completely libraries at
Fremont Pre-School, Highland Church, Timbrook Park, Belle Grove Plantation,
and Christianson Familyland (next to Jim Barnett Park) On each project we've
averaged 20.5 hours per---for an estimated total of 102.5 hours. We also plan to
upgrade forthwith one more little library, which is near the entrance to the
Activity Center in Jim Barnett park.
We are committed to Athena Michael's inspiring efforts to expand Little Free
library coverage in Winchester, and we support all that she stands for.
Furthermore, we pledge to construct more units beginning shortly after the New
Year. Thus we urge favorable consideration of Athena's pending grant
applications, the funding of which will yield near-term results.
Jimmy Harp and I embrace an opportunity to deliver a greater volume of reading
materials to local children.
Every good wish,
Herm Mast III,
SVWC, Winchester Hal 430,
Winchester, VA> 22603 (Cell: 401-486-0586)l
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