Women United: A Grassroots Volunteer Group
In 2023, Women United of United Way Services of Geauga County reached a big milestone: 50,000 books distributed throughout the Geauga community.
This group of volunteers has been working to get books into the hands of kids and families since 2017. About 30 active members, the women maintain Little Libraries and school bookshelves, hand out books at community events, and partner with local pediatricians through the Reach Out & Read program.
Women United is a true grassroots movement. It started when a Geauga professional women’s organization asked themselves, “What community need can we meet that United Way isn’t already addressing?” The answer? Literacy.
Numerous studies show the benefits of reading to young children and having age-appropriate books in the house. So, the first step to supporting literacy in Geauga County was ensuring every child and family had access to quality books.
Little Libraries and Community Events
With the help of United Way staff, the women organized a service project to kick off their book distribution. At the 2017 Geauga United Day of Action, eager volunteers assembled and painted 10 Little Libraries in one day. Local businesses, including Covia, Saturday Cheers, Sportrack, and Kraftmaid, sponsored the project.
Collaborating with Geauga Parks, the libraries were installed across the county. Each one is cared for by monitors who track popular genres and keep the library stocked. During the warmer months, these libraries can move upwards of 50 books a month.
Women United also helps local businesses and non-profits install their own Little Libraries.
“Women United have a heart for helping out Geauga neighbors,” says Karen Perko, Geauga Director of Community Engagement. “They are thoughtful and committed to changing lives through the gift of books. We are proud to be able to work with them in such an impactful way. They are shining examples of how Geauga Unites!”
Many of the volunteers are drawn to participate because they loved reading as kids and want their neighbors to have the same opportunity. At community events like National Night Out, the UH Community Baby Shower, and Help Me Learn Day, the volunteers get to hand out books directly to kids and families and see their eyes light up. “Kids are excited about picking out a book,” says volunteer Susan Kruger. “They’ll say, can I pick one for my brother too?”
The free books aren’t just for kids, either. Women United gives out around 10,000 books a year for all ages. Cookbooks are particularly popular at the Little Libraries, notes volunteer Cheryl Cameron.
Collecting and Sorting Donated Books
Initially the books distributed by Women United came from the Cleveland Book Bank, but now the group gets a wide range of books through local donations. In 2024, school and community group book drives have already raised over 5,000 books, and many more have come in through individual drop-offs.
Book donations are always welcome at our Chardon office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-4, or a drop-off time can be arranged by calling the United Way Services of Geauga County office at (440) 285-2261.
Donated books are cleaned and sorted by volunteers, then stored in our Book Bank. Thanks to the generosity of Joe and Angie DuBois, Women United has access to free office space for the shelves of books awaiting distribution.
The group has become locally known as a partner in distributing books and promoting literacy. Local businesses and schools call about installing new Little Libraries, organizing book drives, or setting up new community bookshelves.
Women United currently maintains 11 Little Libraries and almost a dozen bookshelves at schools and community organizations, and the number is always growing.
For the volunteers, Women United is an opportunity to make a difference in the Geauga community with a flexible commitment. Some people take on regular positions, like monitoring a Little Library, and many volunteer only occasionally. Members enjoy getting to know new people at meetings and social gatherings, and new volunteers are always welcome.
To learn more about Women United, follow them on Facebook @WLCofUWSGC, email womenunitedgeauga@uws.org or visit the Women United webpage.
