12-Year-Old New York City Student Creates Community Lending Library at Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Center
12-year-old Rohan Verdonck installs the Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Center Community Library, an initiative he created to help literacy in new migrant communities.
Driven by a deep love for books and reading, Rohan has always believed in the transformative power of literature. As the founder of his school's book club and an elected librarian, he witnessed firsthand how books could inspire and change lives. His project is aimed to bring that same inspiration to children of immigrant families seeking refuge at the Roosevelt Hotel.
The Roosevelt Hotel Library
The Roosevelt Hotel Library is a self-funded and volunteer-driven project that created a small library specifically for the children of immigrants at the Roosevelt Hotel. Rohan donated a small 3-shelf bookshelf along with an initial collection of books. He seeded the library with 200 books through donations from the community, including schools, bookstores, and individuals, and he restocks the library as needed. As the project evolved, he has grown to include books also geared toward teens and adults, and in multiple languages, to better suit the needs of the Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Center.
The Impact
The Roosevelt Hotel shelters over 1,000 migrant families in New York City. While parents focus on finding work and permanent housing, their children often lack educational stimulation. This project addresses that gap by providing access to books, fostering learning, and reducing boredom. Donated by Rohan Verdonck with the assistance of community members he approached to help him, the Community Library bookshelf was designed to fit easily in an unused space within the hotel. The library functions on a "take a book, leave a book" basis, encouraging community participation without the need for staffing. Book replenishment occurs monthly or as needed, with additional donations from the broader community.
"My goal was to provide kids like me with access to the same joy and knowledge that books have given me. New York City is going through such a transitional time, and there are many New Yorkers who don’t have resources for housing and basic needs. Although I can’t help with all of this, I knew I could help with books," said Rohan. "I hope the Roosevelt Hotel Library will be a small step toward bringing the joy of literature to the newest New Yorkers."
Working with Mayor Eric Adams' office underscored the importance of community and governmental collaboration in supporting immigrant families. The community is encouraged to support this initiative by donating new and gently used children’s books.
About Rohan Verdonck
Rohan Verdonck is 12-year old student in at the Buckley School in New York City who loves reading. This is his second community library project.
Rohan Verdonck
The Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Center Community Library
email us here
Distribution channels: Education
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Submit your press release