Submitted by: Marjorie McPeak, District 5580 Literacy Coordinator
Summer is a time of community gatherings at parks, backyards, play grounds – and at Little Free Libraries. These simple, popular structures are popping up on walking trails, in neighborhoods and many locations in small towns and come in all sorts of designs and colors. The premise of “take a book-- return a book” is simple, but also a source of pleasure for folks of all ages.
(Photo credit: Little Free Library website)
This phenomenon began with Rotarian Todd Bol in 2009 in his workshop in Hudson, WI. The first Little Free Library was built as a tribute to Bol's Mother, a teacher who loved to read. The story of Little Free Libraries' beginnings first appeared in the Rotarian in March of 2014. His ideas and plans soon caught the interest of many groups including AARP, Rotary and other Civic groups as well as inmates of a Wisconsin prison who made them as part of their vocational training and community service. At the time the Rotarian article appeared more than 16,000 little buildings had been built in the U.S. and internationally. Since that time the numbers have skyrocketed. What a wonderful encouraging boost for Literacy!
(Photo credit: Little Free Library website)
Does your Club have a “woodworker” and some other volunteers who can help build, generate contributions to initially stock the Little Libraries with children's and adult materials and then maintain them throughout the year? Plans are available at www.littlefreelibrary.org. To learn more about materials, sources from which to order ready-made structures and other helpful suggestions, Google “Little Free Libraries” where you will find a wealth of information.
Support Literacy, your community, and community service – Sponsor a Little Free Library!