The Staples Motley Early Childhood Coalition has launched a Books in the Parks program. The coalition joins the Staples and Motley Parks Committees in offering this new opportunity to encourage reading while enjoying our area parks.

Beginning in the spring of 2010, bright yellow containers will be placed in parks throughout the Staples Motley School District area. Initially two parks, one in Motley and one in Staples, have been selected. The coalition plans to purchase six additional containers before the end of summer 2010.

Inside the containers will be free books for anyone to use. Readers are asked only two things in that they not sell or throw the books away. If a reader likes the book they can keep it or pass it on. Or they can simple put the book back in the container for someone else to enjoy.

By placing these containers in area parks, the coalition is hoping to encourage everyone to read more to children. To stock the containers, the coalition will be launching a book drive asking the community for new or gently used books. Plans have just begun for this book drive and more details will follow after the first of the year.

The Staples Motley Early Childhood Coalition is a diverse group of area community members who meet monthly to develop and strengthen programs within the Staples Motley School District to ensure children are prepared and ready to start their school journey.

New members are welcome to join us at any time. The Coalition is funded by grant money received from the Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation.

For more information on the coalition or how to become involved, join their Facebook page or contact the program coordinator Myra Horner at 218-330-8155 or via email at mhorner96@gmail.com.