Boca Helping Hands had to stop their reading program at their Thursday night family dinners, and therefore, staff members have worked around the strains from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We’ve had people who came to read stories to kids, people who showed movies. And the library used to come to provide books. And so, because of COVID, we had to suspend our Thursday night dinner. And so this is the next iteration of that service," said Gregory Hazle, the executive director of Boca Helping Hands.
Staff had been distributing free books for kids and adults once a month for the past seven months. There were about 150 books available Friday on site.
And just past that line, families could drive through the tent to pick up groceries during the normal distribution hours. Boca Helping Hands staff have been distributing meals Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 1500 NW 1st Court in Boca Raton.
"We are still trying to determine when we will resume having in-person meals. And so that may have an impact on what happens with this particular iteration of the book distribution program," Hazle said.
Officials said they believe this is a great way for the library to continue being involved with the community.
"To impart that message to our clients that they are cared for. We’re not just helping them meet a need, we’re trying to demonstrate the fact that they’re cared for by their community," Hazle said.
The schedule for when Boca Raton Public Library will be distributing books each month at Boca Helping Hands varies per month.
