Manchester’s Little Free Libraries

Little Free Library located at Chi Bro Park.

submitted by Mireille Prusak of the Manchester District Library

If you’ve noticed little wooden boxes filled with books, one located in Chi-Bro Park and the other at Linda’s Diner, you’ve discovered Manchester’s Little Free Libraries.

The Little Free Library trend began in Wisconsin in 2009 and has now spread across the globe. The concept is simple: promote literacy and foster community by setting up small stands—the architecture ranging from simple to outrageously elaborate—filled with books. Passersby are allowed to simply take a book, without cost or due date. They can return the book when finished, keep it, or donate a different book. The Manchester Library’s Little Free Libraries are checked on and restocked regularly by the Friends of the Library.

Families might set up a Little Free Library in front of their houses and invite their neighborhood to read. Or a business could show its support of literature by having a Little Free Library either inside or in front of their building. In this way, members of the community can share their love of reading with others, as well as share the books they love by donating copies to the little libraries.

Stop by Linda’s Diner or Chi-Bro Park to check out your local Little Free Libraries!

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.