ROCHELLE — Two local organizations are helping to spread the joy of books to guests at the Rochelle Rescue Mission for years to come.

Members of the Rochelle Rotary Club and the Flagg-Rochelle Public Library were at the shelter Tuesday evening, assembling two bookcases and a rocking chair. They also brought a bean bag, an area rug and boxes of books to stack the shelves. 

All together the furniture, accessories and the books were positioned in reading nook area and already were being enjoyed by a family staying at the shelter later that evening.

“It’s their own little corner where they can get away and get lost in a book,” said Autumn True, Rochelle Rescue Mission Executive Director, as she noticed the mother and her children with the books. “It is also a special spot where volunteers can read to our guests.”

Sarah Flanagan, Flagg-Rochelle Public Library Director and Rotary Club member, worked with assistant director Connie Avery and another Rotary Club member, Ann Rice, to write the grant to help purchase the furniture and books for the reading corner as well as items for the library’s community programs.

“We purchased a number of books. Some were donated for the CAN backpack program along with the children’s and adult books for the rescue mission,” Flanagan explained. “When Connie and I met with Autumn and discussed the possibility of a designated spot to read we asked what could make the library area special. That’s why we chose the rocking chair, bean bag, the bookshelves and an area rug.”

The Rotary club’s monetary donations were used to purchase the furniture along with the totes that were filled with coloring books and crayons. 

“Thank you to everyone, including the library and staff for taking the time to make our reading corner so cozy and comfortable for the guests and children here at the mission,” True said gratefully. “This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Ann Rice, the library, and the Rochelle Rotary Club. Thank you.”

Currently the shelter has 11 guests and has a capacity for seven males, six females, a family of four and a family of three. True said the volunteers help make a difference in the lives of those who stay; those volunteers help with many things including resume building, budgeting along with arts and crafts-type activities.

True credits the community for offering a helping hand to the guests, whether it is in the form of donations or services. The mission does accept clothing items as needed; typically a request is posted on the Facebook page, but the community is encouraged to call and inquire if donations are being accepted.

“Without the support of the local churches, businesses and caring individuals, this place wouldn’t be possible,” True added.

Anyone wishing to volunteer is asked to contact the mission at 815-561-2731 to schedule a time for the training process.