It’s called the “Kindness Library.”

This is the newest addition to the Ray of Hope Children’s Crisis Center scheduled to open in October.

“We are so excited about this project,” said Ray of Hope CEO Laura Vieira-Saunders, who received the go-ahead last month from her board of directors.

The local non-profit servicing San Joaquin County provides children – some are homeless or living in poverty and other crisis circumstances, and were referred to Ray of Hope by Child Protective Services – with the basic needs and resources in order to be productive students and individuals.

Ray of Hope is looking to further that goal with the Kindness Library.

“Many of the children that we serve do not have access to books or a library outside of their school,” Vieira-Saunders said on Monday.

The creation of the “Kindness Library” will enable students as young as preschool to seniors in high school to do just that without the pressures of returning the books.

“Books can be checked out but it they can’t bring them back, they’ll still be able to check out another book,” said the Ray of Hope administrator.

Vieira-Saunders and others in Ray of Hope understand that youngsters in their program do move around a lot or encounter circumstances beyond their control that may impede on having access to books.

She noted that the new library will be there to “empower them and encourage the love of reading.”

Ray of Hope is accepting books – new or gently used condition and age appropriate – along with bookcases.

“The whole premise is that we will be fed, clothed, and provide them with the resources so that our kids can be productive in school and beyond,” Vieira-Saunders said.

Besides the soon-to-be-open library, Ray of Hope also has the Kids Cupboard Food Pantry and Hope’s Closet – the children’s resale shop located at 1030 W. Yosemite Ave. in Manteca is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Information on donations of books and bookcases to the Kindness Library can be made by calling 209.883.6411 or 209.597.0574.