Nevada joins the nationwide Little Free Library movement

Pictured are members of the Readers Club at the Little Free Library site, Judy Feuquay, Anna Seewoester, Martha Bledsoe, Vicki Garton, Patsy McCullough, Janis Collins, Katherine Young, and Mary Reinert. * * Readers not pictured are Anne Bunton, Susan Swearingen, Janet Reed, Susan McBeth, Sandie Strawn, Cathryn Pridal, and Deborah Patrick. Submitted photo

Nevada Daily Mail

One of the best things a book lover can do is share a book. That's precisely what the Nevada Readers Book Club wants to do with the establishment of Nevada's first Little Free Library.

According to the book club, the Little Free Library is "simply a small house-like structure that contains donated books free for the taking with the expectation that anyone taking a book will also leave a book."

The Little Free Library project is a nationwide movement that began in Wisconsin in 2009. Since that time, over 15,000 have been established in 56 countries across the world.

"It's time Nevada is included on the nationwide map of those communities who promote the love of reading by providing sites for free book exchanges," said Martha Bledsoe, coordinator of the local project.

Nevada's Little Free Library is located on North Washington Street adjacent to the Vernon County Health Unit next to the community gardens.

The Nevada Readers is a loosely organized group of readers who meet monthly to discuss a previously selected book. The club has no dues, no president, and no minutes are taken. The sole solidifying factor is the love of reading.

Through travels to other communities, several members have spotted little wooden houses of books with the label "Little Free Library." Informal discussion led to action when 14 members decided to pool their money and obtain one for Nevada.

The structure for the library was purchased from the website of the non-profit organization "Little Free Library, Ltd." The construction is made from Amish barn wood that has endured nearly a century of weather and is approximately 16"x19"x23" with a clear plastic door to keep the books safe from the weather. Jeanette Hawkins and the youth group at the First Baptist Church painted and decorated the structure.

Members of the Nevada Readers will serve as stewards for the library, checking the site regularly and restocking or rotating books as needed. The goal is to have a balance of books for both adults and children.

Anyone is free to leave a book, and anyone is free to take a book and everyone is encouraged to stop by the site to take a look at Nevada's newest way to share the love of reading.

For more information, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org.