TAMPA, FL -- Residents in the University area of Tampa don't have to go far to find a book to read. They can just head to one of the new Dreamboxes in the neighborhood.

  • 'Dreamboxes' providing University area with books to read
  • CDC, Rotary Club installed 4 mini-libraries in community
  • Residents can donate books, trade out books

The University area CDC and the Rotary Club of Tampa North have partnered to install four mini-libraries in the community. 

"I think these Dreamboxes are wonderful," said resident Tajuana Cox.

"It really is about promoting literacy," said Nestor Oriz, Chief Operations Officer of the University Area CDC.

Ortiz said the effort is important because the University area has one of the lowest literacy rates in the county. 

"We live in a community with a large population of residents who don't have access to literacy," Ortiz said. 

Residents, young and old, said they are happy to have a choice of books to read right at their doorsteps.

"I like to read and it's fun to have them," 6-year-old Ellianna Bennett said. 

"I think the first night I saw the box out here, we traded out books, we got new books," resident Tina Bennett said. 

The Dreamboxes have been installed near four intersections: 

  • 137th Street and 20th Street 
  • 138th Street and 20th Street
  • 139th Street and 19th Street 
  • 20th Street between 137th Street and 138th Street

Community leaders said there are plenty of books available in the Dreamboxes, but they still need more, particularly Spanish and Creole books.

To donate books, contact Jaree Ervin, Director of Development at (813) 558-5212 or jervin@uacdc.org