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ESCANABA -- Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon and they are popping up all over Delta County and Escanaba. Every new box joins the movement to share books, bring people together and create communities of readers. The concept of take a book, share a book is always free.
Recently, the Escanaba Kiwanis, the Friends of the Escanaba Public Library and Boy Scout Troop 408 added four new boxes to Escanaba. Three of the boxes are located on Northern Lights YMCA properties: the Main Building, the Aquatic Center, and the Youth Center. The fourth box is located outside the Medical Office Building of OSF St. Francis Hospital.
The Friends of the Escanaba Public Library approached Kiwanis for help with the woodwork and general assembly. Kiwanis then reached out to local Scout Troop 408 to build the libraries. Scout, Cayden Noah, took the design, made some modifications, and went to work. Kiwanis President, Melissa Bonifas-Ness said, "incorporating a youth component into the mix allows scouts the opportunity to gain woodworking experience and communication skills."
The new Little Free Libraries have been registered with the International Little Free Library Organization (littlefreelibrary.org).
Kelly Pepin, president of the Friends of the Escanaba Public Library added, "The four new libraries join six other libraries that the Friends partnership with United Way installed several years ago. All the boxes are in public locations and easily accessible." The Friends steward the libraries to maintain an inventory of books. The little libraries work best when patrons replace a book for others to read.
The Little Free Library organization provides an international book sharing platform designed to encourage reading. With 24/7 access to books the expansion of the program in Escanaba strengthens literacy by eliminating barriers to access. In addition, it promotes partnerships in our community to support a program that benefits many.
Little Free Libraries are located at:
The Family Inn on US2
Great Lakes 1st Federal Credit Union, 2110 3rd Ave N.
Danforth Five Corners
Meister's Market, Ford River
White's Grocery Store, 4203 US 2
Massie's Market, corner US 41 & D Road, Bark River
OSF St. Francis Hospital Medical Office Building, 3409 Ludington St.
Northern Lights YMCA Main Building, 2000 N. 30th St.
Northern Lights YMCA Aquatic Center, 2001 N. Lincoln Road
Northern Lights YMCA Youth Center, 5775 Main St., Wells