Martin Drive Neighborhood gains two Little Free Libraries

May 30, 2012
by Kate Sheka

County Supervisor Russell Stamper II speaks during the ribbon cutting ceremony inaugurating the Little Free Library at 4121 N. Martin Drive, with co-sponsors Pat Mueller (far left) and Bonnie Morscher. (Photo by John Sterr)

County Supervisor Russell Stamper II (far left) looks on as Bonnie Morscher cuts the ribbon officially opening the Little Free Library at 1054 N. 46th Street as Alderman Michael Murphy lends a hand. (Photo by John Sterr)

Residents of the Martin Drive neighborhood are now able to stroll down the street to borrow books through the Little Free Library program.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony recently took place at 4121 W. Martin Drive, where County Supervisor Russell Stamper II and Alderman Michael Murphy spoke about the libraries’ positive impact on the community. The ceremony then continued at the 1054 N. 46^th St. site.

Little Free Library is a movement started by Todd Bol of Hudson, Wis., and Rick Brooks of Madison, Wis., which aims to promote literacy and a love of reading by building free book exchanges. It currently includes little libraries in many of the 50 states and dozens of countries.

After hearing about the Little Free Library program, Martin Drive Neighborhood Association members Pat Mueller and Bonnie Morscher were motivated to bring it to their neighborhood.

“It just seemed like a great way to foster a sense of neighborhood and promote literacy for children and families at the same time,” said Morscher. “As soon as I heard about the Little Free Library, I knew I wanted one. Pat immediately had the same idea, so Martin Drive Neighborhood gets two!”

“What a simple but rewarding project to promote literacy and love of books. Free Little Library walks you through everything and makes it very easy,” said Mueller.