Little library a big step

Pinehurst residents are one step closer to their own little community library now that the city council has approved the proposal.

Put forward to the city by the Pinehurst Library, the Little Community Library Program makes getting your hands on a book easier by installing “little libraries” in areas that are frequented by people.

These little libraries are essentially large mailboxes that are stocked with books from the local library.

Anyone is welcome to take a book and keep it for as long as they like for free.

The little library relies on a “take a book, leave a book” policy, trusting its users to be mindful of the next person who may want to use it.

Community Library Network youth specialist Anna Inboden explains in her proposal that little libraries are popping up all over the place.

“The concept of ‘Little Libraries’ is becoming popular throughout the United States and internationally as small free-standing entities that are accessible to the community and maintained by a steward. Little Libraries encourage people to take new books home and leave books behind to share with their neighbors.”

Inboden says that other communities have experienced great success with these and they have helped promote literacy, increase the love for reading, and build a greater sense of community.

In the case of Pinehurst, their little library is slated for the basketball courts on N. Division Street.

Inboden explains that her goal is to have the Pinehurst little library operational by June.

“We are excited about this opportunity to expand our library services and bring literature into our local parks.”

For more information or to ask questions, contact Anna by email at annai@communitylibrary.net.