Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated school community, the Little Ganders Library has become a reality for the students of Kerhonkson Elementary School.

The newly built library kiosk was spearheaded by Special Education teacher Gerald Cheers, who saw a need for book access among his students, as Kerhonkson has no public library.

"I wanted to create a space where our students could explore new worlds through books and stories that they love right in their town," Cheers said.

Construction was a collaborative effort largely done by Cheers in his spare time. He used recycled wood to build the structure from scratch, and the Rondout Valley Central School District Facilities Department chipped in for the concrete foundation. The Bauls, a Kerhonkson Elementary School family, helped install the siding, roofing and doors. Kerhonkson Elementary School Teaching Assistant Julianna Bonelli designed the poster that now graces the front window.

Currently, the library is stocked with books donated by families. The library is a taking a "take a book, leave a book" approach, but all are welcome to come and browse. If you'd like to donate books (children's books only), you can deposit them in the Little Ganders Library directly.

Kerhonkson Elementary School Principal Jacqueline Vannosdall expressed her pride for the school community's dedication, saying "This initiative embodies the spirit of our school community. It provides a resource that can be enjoyed by everyone and highlights the importance of reading in education and in life."

"The Little Ganders Library is a wonderful way to build a sense of community and foster a lifelong love of reading," said Cheers.