Blues For Kids launches Louie's Little Free Library to promote reading in the community

Blues for Kids, the charitable arm of the St. Louis Blues, is launching Louie's Little Free Library this week, a new book exchange program designed to increase access to books and foster a love of reading in the community. This initiative allows individuals to borrow or share books for free, promoting literacy and engagement in the greater St. Louis area.

Working with local youth hockey associations, the program will set up Little Free Library Blues-themed reading nooks at various rinks in the community. Each location will receive a custom-designed reading nook, a starter pack of books, and registration on the Little Free Library website so everyone can easily find these community resources.

The initial host sites for Louie's Little Free Library include:

• Centene Community Ice Center: 750 Casino Center Dr, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
• East Alton Ice Arena: 631 Lewis and Clark Blvd, East Alton, IL 62024
• Maryville University Ice Rink: 18383 Chesterfield Airport Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63005
• McKendree Metro Rec Plex: 205 Rec Plex Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269

Installation of these libraries began on Wednesday, August 14, at the Centene Community Ice Center and Maryville University Ice Rink (link to photos).

“Books are a valuable resource for children and adults, especially siblings who attend practices or games and find it difficult to stay engaged during events,” said Randy Girsch, executive director of Blues for Kids. “Providing free access to books is not only a wonderful way to keep them entertained, but also to improve their reading skills and access to literature.”

To learn more about Louie's Little Free Library and other blues education initiatives, visit stlouisblues.com/community.

About Blues for Kids:

Blues for Kids, the charitable foundation of the St. Louis Blues, is dedicated to supporting programs and services that improve the health and well-being of youth in the St. Louis region. Thanks to the dedication of Blues players, alumni, volunteers and fans, Blues for Kids has donated more than $12.5 million to the St. Louis community. Blues for Kids focuses on four areas including cancer treatment and awareness, health and wellness, education and youth hockey development.

About Little Free Library

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Their mission is to act as a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding access to books for all through a global network of volunteer-run Little Free Library book exchange boxes.

To learn more about Little Free Library and its mission, visit littlefreelibrary.org/about.