Rotary Club breakfast group launches ‘Little Free Libraries’

The Rotary Club of Annapolis breakfast group is spearheading the development of “Little Free Libraries” throughout the city.

The Little Free Library (LFL) project began in Hudson, Wisconsin, in 2009 with Todd Bol’s plan to make books readily available to underserved communities. Bol envisioned small, weatherproof mini-libraries, filled with books — strategically located where they would be most valuable to residents. He encouraged people to “take a book, return a book.” The idea has grown into a thriving nonprofit effort with thousands of Little Free Libraries across the country.

A neighborhood LFL is a fun, free way for anyone to find a new book and enjoy reading, which can be crucial for members of low-income communities with limited access to books at home. The Rotary breakfast group has worked with the Mayor’s office and Recreation & Parks officials to determine locations for the first 12 Little Free Libraries.

Rotarian Dona Rudderow Sturn, project chair, says she hopes residents, especially school-aged children, will enjoy the libraries, share books and develop a love of reading. The project was given an initial boost with a $2,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Annapolis. Books to stock the libraries will be provided by the Rotary Club of Parole’s initiative,

Books for International Goodwill (B.I.G.). Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the project or sponsoring a Little Free Library can contact Dona Rudderow Sturn at 609-432-0402, or donasturn@me.com; or Judith Miller at 202-8413557 or miller9157@verizon.net. The Breakfast Group is a satellite of the Rotary Club of Annapolis. The group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month from 8 to 9 a.m. at Miss Shirley’s Restaurant at West Circle. Guests are welcome. For more information, see annapolisrotary.org or contact Frank Andracchi at 410-615-0460 or frankandracchi@gmail.com.

DONALD E. ROLAND/COURTESY The Rotary Club of Annapolis meets with Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley in City Hall Jan. 10 before touring sites for its Little Free Libraries project. Front row, left to right: Dona Rudderow Sturn, LFL project chair; Judith Miller, LFL project co-chair; Gavin Buckley; Archie Trader, Parks & Recreation director; Carletta Allen, Rotary Club of Annapolis president. Back row: Adetola O. Ajayi, African American Community Services specialist; Bill Regan, Happy Hour Group chair; Steve Frantzich, B.I.G. vice president; Scott Gregory, Rotary Club of Parole; Margaret Davis, LFL committee; and Frank Andracchi, Rotary Club of Annapolis.