Merrill is again on the world map, this time as a site of a “Little Free Library.”
Recently, T.B. Scott Free Library was gifted with one of the popular official box containers for sharing favorite books that are popping up in neighborhoods everywhere. The library is pleased to share it with the community, and are happy that it has a home in Normal Park.
Using a Little Free Library is simplicity itself: just follow the motto of “Take a Book, Return a Book.” While every Little Free Library has a steward to register and oversee it – T.B. Scott Free Library has agreed to become this LFL’s steward – user courtesy is almost always sufficient to keep them supplied and serviceable.
Merrill’s Little Free Library joins over 25,000 Little Free Book exchanges, which are located in all 50 states and over 70 countries. Co-founded by Todd H. Bol and Rick Brooks, Little Free Library was established as a nonprofit organization in May 2012.
Little Free Library has a social entrepreneurial mission – to provide access to books and promote the love of reading. In keeping with that mission, Little Free Library is committed to having an impact on literacy, connecting communities, and sharing stories.
Some may think of Little Free Libraries as duplicating or even competing with what public libraries do. Stacy Stevens, T.B. Scott Free Library’s director, begs to differ.
“Providing outreach to our community and finding innovative ways to encourage literacy and lifelong learning are part of our mission,” Stevens said. “Little Free Libraries remind everyone that reading and learning are important to the success of our society, economy, and democracy.”
More information about Little Free Libraries can be found at littlefreelibrary.org A map of registered Little Free Libraries is at littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/. Find out more about what’s happening at the library at www.tbscottlibrary.org.