Little Free Library opening on Easy Manor Drive

Local volunteers announced that Brookings will be receiving its first official ‘Little Free Library’ registered through the city charter. With a ribbon cutting planned, and the library almost complete, lead volunteer Christine Zellmer’s plan has almost come to fruition.

Little Free Libraries are community initiatives that may seem small because of their name but can have big impacts in their neighborhoods. Essentially a kiosk for a free book swap, the Little Free Library encourages neighbors to engage with literature, connect with their community, and share art and knowledge.

With a simple take-one leave-one (if you can) philosophy, these libraries also allow those less fortunate to still have a means to engage in reading. This can be crucial to families with kids of all ages. Studies show the importance of reading in early childhood education, and the Little Free Library will allow local kids easy access to a rotating selection of books.

“I don’t know what to say other than that opening this little free library has been a dream of mine ever since I first learned about them. I am so excited that it’s finally coming true, and I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I will,” said Zellmer about the project.

The preparations are almost complete. The library itself has been handcrafted in a lovely shade of sea-side blue by Matthew Bennett with wood provided by Brookings Glass. A poem titled ‘Don’t Judge a Book By its Cover’ has been inscribed inside, and the site has been leveled and graveled. Julie Rutherford and the folks at the Chetco Community Library are making sure there are plenty of books on opening.

A grand opening is planned for Sunday, August 25th, from 12pm to 1pm, at the site of the library at 617 Easy Manor Drive in Brookings. Light refreshments will be served, and kids will get to color their own complimentary bookmarks.

If you would like to support this community initiative, they are accepting small book donations at the previously mentioned location. Donations can be left on the porch.