Longing to curl up with a good read but don’t have time to get to the library? The solution could be as close as next door.
That’s because the city of Tempe has launched its Neighborhood Libraries program, part of a movement that’s catching fire across the nation.
Residents build and establish a small container in their neighborhood to fill with books of all kinds to be shared.
Done with your copy of John Grisham’s latest? Looking for a home for your collection of Dr. Seuss? Hoping to score a little James Patterson? The Neighborhood Library is for you.
“Neighborhood Libraries extend the reach of the Tempe Public Library to encourage literacy, foster the love of reading and build a sense of community,” said Tempe City Councilmember Kolby Granville, who developed the program along with Councilmember David Shapira.
Starting Sept. 5, in exchange for participating in this program, Tempe is offering rebates to participating homeowners and non-profit organizations for the cost of purchasing, installing and registering a Neighborhood Library up to $300.
Along with the application form, there’s also an authorization form for Homeowners Associations.
Participants are responsible for stocking their own libraries, which must remain in place for a minimum of five years.
Although there will be no limit to the number of neighborhood libraries allowed in Tempe, the pilot program would fund up to 40 across the city with a maximum expense of $10,000.
For information and application and agreement forms, visit www.tempe.gov/NeighborhoodLibraries
