Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley), the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, small business owners, and community leaders unveiled six “Little Libraries” that will be assembled across the Senate District in the coming weeks. Little Libraries are small wooden boxes that are constructed in pedestrian-friendly community hubs and act as spaces where residents can take a book and share a book.

This effort, led by Senator Skoufis, included a commitment from the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRC) to donate materials, expertise, and their time to make this project come to fruition. Over the past few months, Senator Skoufis worked closely with NASRC, local electeds, community volunteers, and small businesses across the entire Senate District to complete this project in its entirety at no cost to taxpayers. Additionally, during the course of the project, hundreds of books were donated to ensure each Little Library will be full at the time of installation.

“The idea behind Little Libraries is simple - take a book, share a book - in an effort to excite folks young and old to either develop a passion for literacy or embrace their love for books,” said Senator Skoufis. “The effort to get these Little Libraries ready for installation is the embodiment of neighborliness, functioning on the honor system, where anyone can take a book or give a book in an effort to create community connections and ensure reading is accessible to all.”

“Part of our mission as a labor organization is to dedicate our time for community projects just like this,” said Bill Banfield, Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer of NASRC. “We were excited when Senator Skoufis approached us with this idea and we got right to work. I speak for all our members when I say it is our pleasure to give back, put our expertise to use, and support this educational initiative.”

Locally, one of the Little Libraries will be placed at Chadwick Lake Park in the Town of Newburgh.