The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Little Free Libraries a ‘success’ in region
‘They tend to pop up in the strangest places’
Little Free Libraries have grown in popularity in Lorain County.
The libraries, which are small wooden cabinets that are placed outside, allow people to pick up and drop off books at their leisure.
“Libraries don’t actually run these little libraries,” said Shea Alltmont, public relations and marketing coordinator for the Avon Lake Public Library. “The one located behind our building (32649 Electric Blvd.) is overseen by our Friends of the Avon Lake Public Library.
“We helped initially stock the books, and occasionally, provide some for it. But it is not directly connected to our system of books.”
Alltmont said the Little Free Library is a less formal way of borrowing books.
“No library cards are needed for these libraries,” she said. “Borrowing and returning a book is based solely on the honor system.
“People can leave books and take books whenever. It allows books enthusiasts to share a book they love with the people around them. There are no late fees and really no pressure to it at all.”
Alltmont said there is the potential for surprises with the Little Free Library.
“You just walk up to one, and you never know what you are going to find,” she said. “It’s something that has become quite the movement.
“They can be found all over the world and people know what they are the instant they see them. They have become very popular.”
Alltmont said you never know where you might find a Little Free Library.
“They tend to pop up in the strangest places,” she said. “There are dimensions that can be looked up online, but you can really put them anywhere and make them as unique as you want.
“I’ve seen some that are modeled after landmarks and other after important buildings. It’s really cool to see the passion that goes into these.” Alltmont said the libraries are well represented in Lorain County. “I know there is one by our library, and then I’ve seen them on Belle Road, Dellwood Road and Lear Road, to name a few,” she said. “It has been great to see more and more pop up. “I’d say they have been very successful and will continue to grow.” Patty Kishman, communications manager at Ritter Public Library, 5680 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion, said Little Free Libraries are well represented in Vermilion. “The friends of our library constructed one west of our location that is modeled to look like our library,” Kishman said. “It looks great. For anyone who has been to Ritter, it has the same pillars we have at the main entrance here.
“In general, I feel the little libraries are a great way to add something to cultural desert areas in Vermilion that are too far from downtown. We have a couple: at the YMCA (320 Aldrich Road) and one at Harbour Town Mobile Home Community (6320 Poorman Road).”
Kishman said the Friends of the Ritter Public Library keep the Little Free Library going.
“The little libraries keep the friends busy,” she said. “They keep them stocked and make sure there aren’t any books that are there too long.
“The Friends do a great job with so many things and always help out in a big way. They are the best Friends group at generating funds. They raise thousands each year that all goes back to promoting reading. They’re awesome.”
“People can leave books and take books whenever. It allows books enthusiasts to share a book they love with the people around them. There are no late fees and really no pressure to it at all.”
— Shea Alltmont, public relations and marketing coordinator for the Avon Lake Public Library