The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) and Lift Orlando announced the opening of their 11th “Little Free Library” on June 18. Located at Lift Orlando’s Heart of the West Lakes Wellness Center, Utilities marks its commitment to literacy and community empowerment. This latest installation aims to increase access to books and foster a love of reading among residents of all ages.
The charming, house-shaped book-sharing box in West Orlando provides a simple yet effective way for neighbors to share books. The concept is straightforward: “Take a book, leave a book.” Members of the community are encouraged to share and swap books in this free stand stand-alone box open to anyone 24 hours a day. This creates a spot for a continuous cycle of reading and community interaction.
It marks the first time the West Florida-based nonprofit Lift Orlando and OUC have collaborated. OUC has had its fair share of education and community involvement through partnerships with the Orlando Science Center and Project A.W.E.S.O.M.E.
“We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with OUC, whose support has helped create a new access point to books and literacy in our neighborhood,” said Mark Shamley, Lift Orlando Vice President of Community Impact. “At OUC, our mission extends beyond providing reliable utilities; it’s about investing in the well-being and future of the communities we serve. Literacy is a foundational block for success, and these libraries provide an accessible pathway to knowledge and imagination for everyone.”
This initiative is a part of a broader effort by OUC and Lift Orlando to uplift the West Orlando community through programs focused on mixed-income housing, health and wellness, cradle-to-career education, and economic development. The Little Free Library program makes reading materials readily available outside traditional library hours and locations.
Starting in Wisconsin in 2009, the Little Free Library Initiative has led to the opening of over 200,000 book-shares across the world. Since 2021, this will be OUC’s 11th Little Free Library.
“We believe all people are empowered when the opportunity to discover a personally relevant book to read is not limited by time, space, or privilege,” is showcased on The Little Free Library website under “Our Mission & Vision.”
The new library is stocked with a diverse collection of books for children, teens, and adults, thanks to donations from OUC employees, community members, and local organizations. Both OUC and Lift Orlando encourage residents to utilize the library, share their favorite reads, and help keep the shelves full for others to enjoy.
For more information about the initiative in this partnership, visit littlefreelibrary.org.