By Paige Nash
After months’ worth of discussions and meetings the Webster Parish Libraries, Cultural Crossroads of Minden and the City of Springhill have partnered to bring back a brand new Little Free Library to Springhill. This initiative is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange that has become widely popular worldwide.
This LFL will be a part of an extensive network made up of approximately 150, 000 other libraries located in over 100 different countries. They are accessible to the public all day, any day of the week with the goal to remove barriers by expanding book access within the community and by doing so influencing positive literacy outcomes.
In 2014, the library system and Cultural Crosswords worked together to establish a LFL in the city, but after being vandalized, eventually had to be removed.
“I’m excited that we are able to offer additional opportunities to provide books to our community,” said Renee McCluskey, Springhill Branch Manager.
After finalizing the plan to bring back a LFL to the city, the partners met to brainstorm ideas on a location that would provide centralized and easy access. It was decided that the new location would be Springhill City Park. Following this finalization, Webster Parish Library staff members, Kelly Gamble and Freddie Green executed the build.
“Kelly and Freddie never cease to amaze me with their talent and abilities. They are a huge asset to the Webster Parish Library System,” said Savannah Jones, Director of Webster Parish Libraries.
The library, Cultural Crossroads and the City of Springhill wanted this to be a community involved project. Afterall, it will be up to the community after the installation to guarantee the success of the LFL. They are in the process of planning a community paint party with local Springhill artist, James, Thomas, where all residents will be invited to help decorate the new LFL.
The City of Minden currently has two highly successful LFL locations at Cultural Crossroads and beside Turner’s Pond.
“The Little Free Library we have at our facility in Minden is so well utilized by the community,” said Cultural Crossroads executive director Brandi Cade. “It is an incredible asset for children and adults alike. We are excited to partner with these entities to bring back this valuable public resource to the people of Springhill with the added component of a community paint party, so that they can be a part of the process.
More information on the date and time of the community paint party will be announced in the following weeks.
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