Brightspeed, which provides broadband and telecommunications services, and Little Free Library unveiled a new community book-sharing box for neighbors in Columbia's historic downtown.

To celebrate the launch of the North Second Street library, Brightspeed and local steward Kayla Wilkinson hosted a family-friendly event featuring a Halloween theme. Sierra Bedwell, local children's author, read her latest book while kids enjoyed Brightspeed-themed coloring pages, cider and doughnuts. Wilkinson also hosted a small bake sale during the event, with proceeds benefiting the shared box.

The Columbia Little Free Library is part of Brightspeed's national initiative to bridge both the digital and literacy divides, sponsoring libraries in 28 underserved cities across 20 states. By partnering with Little Free Library, Brightspeed aims to bring books and access to knowledge to communities known as "book deserts," where reading materials are limited.

For more information about Brightspeed, visit http://www.brightspeed.com.