A new literacy project led by the Yorkton U18AAA Maulers Hockey Club was unveiled at the Gallagher Center Wednesday morning.
The “Book Nook” allows the public to take a book while also giving a book, in an effort to promote literacy and community engagement.
“We do think by placing this in a high traffic area, probably Yorkton’s highest traffic area, we’ve put the books where people are,” explained Terry Tyson, secretary of the Yorkton U18AAA Maulers Hockey Club.
In addition to team members becoming more involved in the city, Tyson said the idea for the project sparked from Calvin Daniels of Yorkton This Week, who approached him two years ago.
“Calvin planted the seed, the Maulers organization just tries to be engaged, be visible, do good stuff in the community,” said Tyson.
“We are always doing that during the season of course, using the boys to give that presence, but you ’re always struggling to fit that into a busy schedule. This has a fit where it can do some real good stuff for people, drive literacy and it’s kind of always on. As long as we keep it maintained, it’s going to serve its purpose.”
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In partnership with NL Construction, who built the book shelve and Source Embroidery, Ray and Crystal Bailey also contributed to the project based on their family’s passion for reading.
“My father loved reading. It was a way for him to relax and travel while he could stay at home at the same time,” Ray shared.
“He loved to share books, so when Terry approached my wife Crystal and I about this project, it was something we were happy to be a part of and support and wanted to do in memory of my father Allan Bailey.”
Located in the lobby of the Gallager Centre, Tyson said it will be convenient for people to use.
“There’s actually an element of security there too, we shouldn’t have to worry about vandalism or anything negative, we just need to keep it stocked,” he said.
