The BIG Read Community Engagement
The BIG Read in Our Communities
One goal of The BIG Read is to offer support to our surrounding communities. Currently, The BIG Read has two outreach initiatives: The BIG READing Shelf and The BIG Blanket Tie.
The BIG READing Shelf
This project was developed by the Owens Community College Big Read Committee with the goal of connecting families with books in our community. The BIG READing Shelf revitalizes bookshelves, fills them with books and donates them for adults and children to read and enjoy while they are staying at a shelter, a daycare or just in a waiting room.
By utilizing donated bookshelves and books, this venture guarantees a smile to all—those who donate items and those who are sure to find what will become their favorite book on one of these shelves!
Where to Find BIG READing Shelves
The BIG reading shelves can be found at the following organizations:
- Afterschool All-Starts, an after-school program at Reynolds Elementary School
- Cherry Street Mission
- Elmdale/Mercer Courts
- Family House
- Findlay City Mission
- La Posada Family Shelter
- Lucas County Ohio Means Jobs
- Lucas Metropolitan Housing
- Northern Heights
- Open Arms Findlay
- Spieker Terrace
- Weiler Homes
- Zepf Center
The BIG Blanket Tie
Love that cozy feeling when wrapped in a soft blanket? Get the “feel good” sense when you know you’ve helped someone? By combining these two elements, it’s win-win for the maker, giver and recipient!
Working together, the Center of Campus and Community Connections and The Big Read is organizing the opportunity for the Owens campus community to make fleece blankets that will be donated to area agencies.
Want to Participate?
To participate in this outreach by donating a bookshelf, books and/or fleece and/or making a blanket, please email Jen Hazel or email Jane Berger.