Berlin Mall Gives Library Free Space, So It Can Give Out Free Books
For Immediate Release: September 17,2018
Contact: Michael Rushman, Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning
802.563.2151 | mrushman@pivot.net
Kellogg-Hubbard Library Launches New Give-a-Book/Take-a-Book Program At The Berlin Mall
BERLIN, VT—Give-a-Book/Take-a-Book at the Berlin Mall is the fifth and largest book exchange offered by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library’s Outreach Program, offering free books for people of all ages and interests.
The book exchanges offer a wide variety of free books, including fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, self-help and children’s, and library cards are not required. The expectation is that those who take a book will donate a replacement book in good condition. The library monitors book exchanges weekly, and periodically upgrades the collections, as needed. “Give-a-Book/Take-a-Book is one of many ways we reach into the six communities we serve, bringing library services to them,” said Tom McKone, the library’s executive director. “We are grateful to the Berlin Mall for providing the space, and adding chairs and tables to convert the area into a comfy book nook,” added McKone.
The book exchanges are one of many services the library provides in Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex, Montpelier and Worcester. “We have 17 volunteers who regularly visit 14 day care and child care centers across our communities,” said Heather Kralik, the library’s outreach coordinator. “They bring books to lend to the centers and read stories to the children,” continued Kralik. Last year, the library lent 7,008 children’s books to the centers, and volunteers read 1,268 stories to attending children.
In addition, Library outreach currently offers home delivery for homebound patrons in Berlin, Montpelier and Worcester, and any residents who want information about home delivery should contact Steve Picazio at 223-3338, ext. 206, or spicazio@kellogghubbard.org.
Give-a-Book/Take-a-Book is the most recent example of how the mall owners are committed to creating a vibrant community space for area residents and visitors to enjoy. This summer, the mall launched The HUB at Berlin Mall (https://www.theberlinmall.com/hub/) — a remarkable opportunity for individuals and organizations to temporarily use up to 3,000 square feet of prime space, rent-free. And this past winter, the Mall hosted the 2nd annual Walk the Long Trail at
Berlin Mall (https://www.theberlinmall.com/walk), which attracted over 900 registered walkers who logged more than 20,000 miles and helped raise $10,000 for the Green Mountain Club.
“Our vision is to create a vibrant town center where people of all ages live, work and play in a way that embraces community and celebrates life in Central Vermont,” said Land Strategies’ Michael Rushman, the Mall’s Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning.
About Kellogg-Hubbard Library
For over a century, the Kellogg-Hubbard Library has been at the heart of our communities in Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Middlesex, Montpelier and Worcester, preserving yesterday, informing today, and inspiring tomorrow. For more information, visit www.kellogghubbard.org.
About Berlin Mall
Situated between Montpelier (Vermont State Capital) and Barre, and ¼-mile from the intersection of I-89 and Rt. 62, the Berlin Mall is ideally positioned to draw from both local and regional customers. Tenants: Walmart, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Planet Fitness, Passumpsic Savings Bank (opening soon), AroMed Aromatherapy, Bath & Body Works, Coffee Mugs USA, GameStop, GNC Live Well, Juicebox (opening soon), Maurices, Olympia Sports, Optical Expressions, SHOE DEPT., Supercuts, Verizon Wireless, Vermont Bobbin. For more information, visit www.theberlinmall.com.