Members from The Lighthouse, the McNabb Center’s peer support program, came together to build a Little Free Library for the Watkins Street Park. The Lighthouse provides opportunities for adults with a mental illness to develop social skills in a community setting.

The members are asking the community to support this project and donate books for people of all ages.

“Reading has a positive impact on both mental and physical health,” said Gayle Lodato, McNabb Center’s senior director of Hamilton County services. “By making books readily available and encouraging the community to share their favorite books, we hope to strengthen mental wellness in Chattanooga.”

Studies have showing that acts of giving can increase one’s mental health and wellness. The Lighthouse members wanted to complete this project and give back to the community during May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is essential to one’s overall well-being, and the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted mental health needs in our community.

Please join us to stock the library:

When: Tuesday, May 18th from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Watkins Street Park, 2411 East 12th Street
What: Bring your favorite book, in good condition. If you see one you’d like to read, take it home!

The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social and victim services. By focusing on an individual’s “Well Mind, Well Being,” we provide a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancy through adulthood. Since 1948, the Center has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 30,000 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For more information, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.