Dotted across the county in sometimes out-of-the-way places, you might stumble across a box. Sometimes they are mounted to a fence, or sitting atop a post, they are always filled with books to read and share for free.
Little Free Libraries are scattered across the country and around the world, with more than a dozen of them right here in Muhlenberg County. The program was brought to the county years ago, by former director of the Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation, Kathy Jacobi, said coordinator Vicki Yonts.
Some of the first Little Free Libraries to be installed around Muhlenberg County are now being replaced, as weather and wear have taken a toll. But one thing is going strong, and that’s a love for reading these outposts instill.
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization, based in St. Paul, Minnesota. With a mission to inspire readers and expand book access, their goals align well with those of SOAR, the early childhood learning arm of the Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation. SOAR places a special emphasis on literacy by giving away books, and they work to keep the Little Free Libraries stocked.
The concept is simple – take a book and leave a book. Mostly geared to children, there are sometimes books for adults in the libraries too.
Keep a lookout and you will see them around the county, maybe in a neighborhood near you.
Little Free Library Locations:
- Beechmont Community Center – 3612 Merle Travis Highway
- Bremen Community Center – 47 College St.
- Dunmor – 30 East Elm Street
- Ennis Community Center
- 3875 State Route 70, Drakesboro
- Graham Fire Dept.
- 120 Firehouse Lane
- Luzerne Lake
- Highway 189 Bypass, Greenville
- Midland – 5740 State Route 70, Bremen
- Milport – 798 State Route 423, Sacramento
- Morgan Memorial Park
- Pritchett Drive,
- Greenville
- Nelson Creek – 901 State Route 1379, Central City
- Powderly City Hall
- 211 Hillside Road
- South Carrollton
- 50 Clark Street
