by Joanne Hulbert
3/12/2016

HOLLISTON’S LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES

You may have seen the boxes, four of them located around town, full of books, magazines and other shared treasures for readers. These boxes invite neighbors to share books that have thrilled them and inspired them to pass them on to others.

The little libraries are part of an international movement to promote reading, literacy and a mutual love of books. The Little Free Library movement began in 2009 in Wisconsin where Todd Bol built the first box and dedicated it to his mother, a teacher who loved to read. Since then, the movement has grown and little libraries can be found worldwide and in some unique locations – even here in Holliston.

Holliston’s little libraries sprouted up quietly. There’s one on Morton Street that serves Brentwood, and there’s another along Norfolk Street that invites passersby to stop and check out the offerings therein. Either leave a book or take one, local patrons have kept up a lively exchange of books, some leaving notes that say they liked the book and wanted to share a good read with others, instead of leaving the book to gather dust on a shelf. Some books are just too good for that sort of demise.

The tradition of sharing books in Holliston runs deep. Our Public Library is vibrant, offering books and much more. The network of little libraries around town send out encouragement to neighborhoods to continue this strong literary tradition. Perhaps you might consider starting a little library in your neighborhood as well. Information can be found at www.littlefreelibrary.org where ready-made boxes are available, or, consider what local “library builders” have done and build your own unique structure and place your library in a convenient location in your neighborhood. Leave a book, take a book! The goal, as the Little Library organization states is “to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide and to build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations. There are over 36,000 Little Free Library book exchanges around the world, bringing curbside literacy home and sharing millions of books annually.” Also consider registering your library with the Little Free Library organization and add yours to the thousands located worldwide.

And certainly, stop by any of the libraries in Holliston, the Public Library, or a little neighborhood library near you.

Two years ago, the Gagnon family on Norfolk Street was considering ways to honor the memory of their daughter Emilee who died in a tragic accident. She was a girl who loved to read, and what better way to honor her than to promote reading and the exchange of books. The first box, located at the corner of Exchange and Union Streets quickly became a meeting place for readers, and the rather small box was constantly crammed, even as the books flew in and out at a steady pace. So Mudville’s little library required expansion. The new, larger library, built by Emilee’s father, is a replica of a British telephone booth. The new library also honors Emilee’s – and her mother’s – British heritage. Residents of Mudville have welcomed the larger space and have even placed lights on it that sparkle at night, perhaps offering late night hours for insomniac readers.

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The Gagnon's. John, Celia and Oliver with the Little Library at the police station.