The JPF Lending Library Program
The JPF Lending Library program provides the Jefferson Park neighborhood with free little lending libraries. We started the lending library program in 2017 with our first lending library across from Beaubien Elementary School. The success of this little lending library has inspired us. As a result of our early success, we’ve seen demands for more little lending libraries across the neighborhood.
Roberts Square Park
Roberts Square Park was our first lending library. We acquired the newspaper box through our partnership with the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce. Directors Jenny Conlon, Dennis Davis and Secretary Marie MacDonald were instrumental in working with Beaubien Elementary School and the Chicago Park District to design and site the library. Most noteworthy, however, was that the 7th and 8th grade art classes at Beaubien School are responsible for the artwork on the lending library. Director Dennis Davis sanded down the box, made small repairs and applied the base coat and top polyurethane coat.
Next Steps
On July 18, 2017, Jefferson Park Forward learned that we had been granted five newspaper boxes by the Chicago Tribune to be re-purposed as little lending libraries. We’re extremely excited to have been selected and we’re excited to be able to expand the Lending Library Program. If you are interested in working with us to create these little lending libraries, please reach out to the JPF Livability & Attractiveness Committee at livability@jeffersonparkforward.org.