Several free lending libraries have been popping up at DePaul sites, encouraging residents to share books and more!

The DeWitt Clinton Apartments in Rome added a free lending library to the game room during the peak of the pandemic. Program Manager Nancy Welch bought a bookshelf and she and another staff member brought in a variety of books to stock the shelves. It turned out to be so popular, they’ve since added a larger shelf and relocated the library to the lobby to make it more accessible. Donations from staff and residents have continued to expand the offerings available and make the library inviting to all!

A free library at the Boxcar Apartments in Albion was started last summer by Property Manager Mary Klatt and has expanded with donations from staff and residents. Similarly, at the Lock 7 Apartments in Oswego, residents have donated books to circulate among the community. Inspired by the initiative at the Boxcar Apartments, staff at the Veddersburg Apartments in Amsterdam created a similar resource with books donated by staff as well as books received from the local library.

The lending library at the Starting Line Apartments in Utica has inspired a book club which brings about a dozen residents together weekly to discuss what they’re reading.