Saturday, May 13, 4:30 p.m.—RUTLAND—Rutland will soon see a new Little Free Library opening to promote literacy, creativity and community. Join the grand opening event May 13, 4:30 p.m. in Baxter Street Park where cement will be poured for the installation of the library structure. Bring two books (if possible) and leave with a new book from the new community library. This event will include the unveiling, a Q&A discussion with the library steward, a book exchange, and light snacks.
Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon. The small, front yard book exchanges number 36,000 around the world in 70 countries, from Iceland to Tasmania to Pakistan. Now, a new Little Free Library at the Baxter Street Park will join the movement to share books, bring people together and create communities of readers. Dianna Bessette, a Baxter Street resident, is going to be the Baxter Street Library’s steward and has worked with the Rutland Recreation Department, the Rutland Free Library and other helpful organizations to make this project come to fruition. The Rutland Free Library has agreed to offer discarded lightly used children’s books to the cause which will supplement the library’s inventory when needed.
Bessette applied for a grant that was awarded to her, making this project a lot easier overall. She explained, “I applied for an impact fund grant and was thrilled to find out that the grant was awarded to us. The little Free Library structure itself was the main part of the grant. In addition, a charter number and sign were included in the package so this library will be on the world map of Little Free Libraries, making it official. I did not apply for the grant for myself, I did it for the entire community. We are all blessed with the gift of this ‘take a book, return a book’ Library.” For more information, visit littlefreelibrary.org.
