In Fall Creek, children’s librarian Jenna Gilles had an absolutely fabulous idea! Wow! What better way to celebrate the Summer Library Program’s theme of water than to help protect it?? Check out this news release, and contact Jenna if you want some ideas about how to implement this in your own community!

Fall Creek Public Library is teaming up with local organizations and community members to promote the health of local waterways. On August 21, 2010, 9:45AM, Fall Creek Library will stencil “Drains to River – do not dump” above Fall Creek’s storm drains. This project is volunteer-based–anyone over the age of 10 can sign up at the library. A potluck will follow clean-up.

This project will encourage community members and visitors to take a closer look at waterways, streets, and pollution. Many people do not realize that everything that flows down the drains goes to local waterways. Leaves, grass clippings, lawn chemicals, animal feces, oil, refuse from carwashes, trash and cigarette butts are most likely to end up in waterways via storm drains. This community-wide project promotes the “act local, think global” philosophy, including the pollution of waterways. Everyone has the power to make positive changes, one little storm drain at a time!

Volunteers are needed to spray paint the drains, clean up, be group leaders, and safety leaders. If you are unavailable August 21, you can still help! Donations are requested for garbage bags, rags, duct tape, spray paint, and safety mouth/nose masks. Volunteers are needed to place door hangers one week before the stenciling, pass around handouts to friends and family, and to post signs around town.

Contact coordinator Jenna Gilles at 715.877.3334 or jgilles@ifls.lib.wi.us for more information or to volunteer. Volunteers under age 18 are required to have a permission slip signed. All participants are required to sign a safety and responsibility form. Upon request, the library will provide an official recognition letter for volunteers’ schools or businesses. Inclement weather date is August 28. This event is a culmination of a summer reading program with the theme Make a Splash @ Your Library!