b'64 CVG CONCESSIONStwo library kiosks at Halifax Stanfield International Airport inFor instance, one section of the library contains storybooks Nova Scotia; anddonated from area elementary schools, and teachers are thrilled a Flybrary at Fredericton International in New Brunswick thatwhen they find just what they need for their classes. includes English and French titles by regional authors. Engagement and input from airport employees are also In another approach, travel retailer Paradies Lagardre offers ahighlights for Carper. In fact, many of the donated books were read-and-return program at its bookshops in CVG and hundredscollected by an airport tower manager who has delivered five of other North American airports. Passengers who buy a newcarloads of materials to CVG. book can bring it back (with the sales receipt) within six monthsFlight crews also have gotten in on the act. Like airport for a 50% refund. Paradies Lagardre then resells the gently usedemployees, they drop off books at donation bins placed in an books at a discount and donates those with more wear to localemployee office, the CVG welcome point and outside of the library libraries.in Concourse B. Worth the Effort Support from airport tenants includes participation from United As stakeholders of the CVG initiative see it, establishing, stockingConcessions Group, which operates Chick-fil-A, Frischs Big and maintaining a library yields many benefits. For instance, it allowsBoy and Skyline Chili at CVG. Teams of its employees held an the airport to lead a meaningful, civic-oriented initiative that peopleinternal book drive to help replenish the library and collectively throughout the region notice.donated about 200 books across a wide range of genres for different age groups. This was an independent initiative on their Participating organizations, such as local libraries, also benefit.part, emphasizes Carper. There were no incentives or prizes for Its a great opportunity to partner with one of the regions largestthose who participated; supporting the airports good cause was employers, and to demonstrate the ability of the library to remainapparently enough motivation.relevant in a fast-changing world, says Schroeder. Carper sees firsthand what the program means to those whoUnder Considerationuse the CVG library. People who come in are excited, he relates.Gina Genco, manager of Business I get a lot of comments, and they thank us for having it.Development for CVG, is exploring more partnerships and the possibility of sourcing donations from local bookstores and nearby universities. Discussions are ongoing, and the concept is something were interested in pursuing as we continue to build out the airport library program, says Genco.GINA GENCOThe airport has already confirmed that such efforts do not have to break the bank. Initiatives like this are achievable and dont require massive resources, Ruiz explains. Its about leveraging local partnerships and thinking creatively about underutilized spaces. Along that line, Himes has a suggestion for other airports that lack the physical space for a library: consider establishing a virtual version by using existing seating and adding signage with QR codes and sponsor messaging. Ask your airport advertising partners for help in connecting the dots with the library system, ENGINEERS & PLANNERS she advises. If budget is a consideration, consider finding a local business to donate the seating and tables in exchange for MORE THAN A CONSULTANT partnership exposure.A trusted partner, passionate about aviation,Himes adds that a library can be as small or large of a project dedicated to the industry, and committed to your airport as an airport wants it to be. It just takes a good team to bring it all together, she remarks. Schroeder also has advice for airports kicking the tires on a library of their own: Partner whenever possible with your local public library system, which often has access to donated books and weeded items that are looking for new lives. For little or no 1-888-AVCON-99 cost, these items can easily become the foundation of a small www.avconinc.com library collection at an airport. March | April 2026AirportImprovement.com'