There are more than 150,000 Little Free Libraries worldwide. The Town of Church Point, along with Lanora’s Helping Hands, has partnered with the nonprofit Little Free Library to improve access to books in Church Point.
Lindsey Duplechain Halley, founder of Lanora’s Helping Hands, says she initially thought about setting up a small free library in her backyard, but then realized how much it would benefit her neighbors if the libraries were spread throughout the city.
“I contacted the mayor and asked if the city of Church Point would like to partner with Lanora’s helping hands,” Halley said.
The Town of Church Point has paid for five prefabricated Little Free Libraries, which are currently located in all five of the town’s parks. Halley says reading is fun, so it’s important to put books in fun places.
“There are all these little areas, kids and people are there a lot, so why not have something where they can sit back, relax and read,” Halley explained. “You know the kids are playing or the kids might come over and say, oh, there are books here.”
When the Little Free Libraries are open, neighbors can download an app that helps them find libraries around town. Halley told me that anyone can own a Little Free Library, there are two ways to get involved.
“We’re at a little free library, it’s a nonprofit and you have to register with them and get your charter number and all that other great stuff, but you can actually build your own library,” Halley said.
Halley told me that members of Lanora’s Helping Hands will be responsible for maintaining the libraries and that they are currently looking for volunteers.
The Little Free Libraries in Church Point will open on August 28. For more information about the grand opening, visit the Town of Church Point’s Facebook page.
