Kudos to Ruby Wiles for taking the step to create a free book location in Youngsville.

Free Books for Kids Town’s location is in the pavilion behind Youngsville Evangelical United Methodist Church, 18 Second St., Youngsville, and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The site is full with more than 200 books, but those interested in donating books can do so when there is space.

A 2015 study in Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, found brain scans of 19 children between the ages of 3 and 5 showed exposure to reading resulted in activation of brain areas supporting mental imagery and narrative comprehension. Children exposed to reading at early ages can also lead to early academic success in nearly all subjects, help children have better linguistic skills and help children be more self-confident and independent.

Wiles’ nonprofit has given more than 12,000 books to children in northwestern Pennsylvania already. The free book location in Youngsville expands the group’s reach even further. We hope parents will make use of the free books.

Their children will thank them someday.