The SEASPAR-Kiwanis Aktion Club, sponsored by the South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR) and the Woodridge Kiwanis Club, is thrilled to announce the successful installation of a Little Free Library near the Lisle Park District and the Sea Lion Aquatic Park. The culmination of a year-long project, the Little Free Library aims to provide free access to books for the local community while fostering a sense of unity and promoting literacy.
The SEASPAR-Kiwanis Aktion Club is a unique community service organization designed for adults with disabilities who wish to help others. Each year, the group conducts fundraisers and performs service projects to support communities near and far. The Little Free Library is the club’s latest project.
Under the sponsorship of Woodridge Kiwanis Club President and Aktion Club Faculty Advisor Eric Alwin, the project took shape in a surprising and heartwarming manner. Alwin dedicated his spare time to crafting the Little Free Library in his garage, keeping the endeavor secret from Aktion Club members and co-advisor Bethany Pastrana. The revelation of the partially completed Little Free Library was met with astonishment and delight by the Aktion Club, highlighting the dedication and spirit of service within the group.
Inspired by the vision to make literature accessible to all, Aktion Club President Adam Sikora expressed the significance of Little Free Libraries in bringing communities together. “Little Free Libraries are book-sharing boxes that can bring the community together by allowing people to take something and leave something behind,” Sikora remarked. Drawing inspiration from the iconic television series Doctor Who, the Aktion Club painted the Little Free Library to resemble the TARDIS, in order to capture the imagination of visitors young and old.
On May 6, 2024, amidst cheers and excitement, the SEASPAR-Kiwanis Aktion Club, alongside partners from the Woodridge Kiwanis Club and the Lisle Park District, officially unveiled the Little Free Library. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by club members and their families, Village of Lisle Mayor Christopher Pecak, club faculty advisors Eric Alwin, Ashley Sinio, and Bethany Pastrana, as well as SEASPAR staff. The Aktion Club Board Officers who were in attendance, Adam Sikora, Kari Winter, Molly Sosnowski, and Lorenzo Forieri, expressed their gratitude to all involved in bringing the project to fruition.
Reflecting on the impact of literature and community stewardship, the Aktion Club draws inspiration from beloved authors and Doctor Who:
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
“When you can travel through all of time and space, you’re bound to pick up the odd nugget of knowledge along the way.” – Doctor Who
“Whenever I spot a Little Free Library, I feel a deep appreciation for the stewards of these mini libraries.” – Russell T. Davies, original showrunner, and head writer of Doctor Who
The SEASPAR Aktion Club remains committed to serving its community and promoting literacy through initiatives like the Little Free Library. As the TARDIS-inspired library opens its doors to readers, it symbolizes the boundless possibilities that come with every turn of the page.
For more information about SEASPAR’s Aktion Club and their projects, please contact Bethany Pastrana at bpastrana@seaspar.org. To learn more about SEASPAR or get involved, visit SEASPAR.org.
About SEASPAR:
The South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR) enriches the lives of individuals with disabilities through recreation. SEASPAR serves the communities of Brookfield, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Indian Head Park, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lemont, Lisle, Western Springs, Westmont, and Woodridge.
About Woodridge Kiwanis Club:
The Woodridge Kiwanis Club is dedicated to serving the children and communities of the Woodridge area through various service projects and initiatives. As a part of Kiwanis International, the club is committed to making a difference through volunteerism, leadership development, and community engagement.
About Little Free Library:
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that promotes literacy and community through the creation of small book-sharing boxes. Founded on the principle of “Take a Book, Share a Book,” Little Free Libraries can be found in neighborhoods around the world, encouraging a love of reading and fostering connections among neighbors.