Residents of Chippewa Falls might have noticed several new additions to various street corners within the city. The objects of interests are little red boxes mounted on fence posts. The boxes have transparent doors which open to reveal a selection of books.
Little free libraries have been around for a long time but it’s great to see even more come to the area. The free libraries promote literacy and allow easy access for anyone who wants to stop and select something to read.
The new libraries are well designed, easy to spot, and highly durable. Time will tell, but the units appear to be well equipped to protect their contents from the rain, wind, and other elements.
There is one free library located on the corner of Rushman Drive right next to Allen Park. The library is right next to the bike route sign and is within sight of the Hiram Stores Allen Historical Marker.
This library contains titles by authors such as Michael Chrichton and Mary Higgins Clark. Anyone who is inclined to spend a few hours reading in the park can now make a convenient selection right at the park’s entrance.
Another library can be found at the intersection of East Columbia Street and Rushman Drive. The library is conveniently located next to a bench that overlooks Duncan Creek right next to the bridge.
This library is located next to a section of Duncan creek that has a significant number of boulders. These boulders cause the water to make a pleasing sound as it passes through. It would be difficult to conceive of a better place to take a break from the stresses of everyday life and escape into a book.
The library at the second location contains titles such as Bad Girls With Perfect Faces, Tell Me Three Things, Point Blank, The Sun Is Also a Star, History Is All You Left Me, Safe Haven, and Trust Me, I'm Trouble.
The rules of the little free libraries are simple. They work on the honor system and they are a nice reflection of the community. Usually each library has a steward that is tasked with keeping the libraries clean and well-maintained, but it’s most effective when everybody pitches in to do their part.
Anyone is free to take a book whenever they want. You aren’t required to exchange a book at the time you make a selection, but the system is most effective when everybody either returns their selection or brings a new book when they can.
The objective is to promote reading, but it will be interesting to observe how the little free library selection changes with time. Visitors to Chippewa Falls are also welcome to take and/or leave books, so it will be fun to see what titles arrive at our local little free libraries and consider how far they might have traveled.
Chippewa Falls is a very literate and kind community. The local library frequently has accomplished speakers who talk to packed crowds about their literary works. The little free library is a delightful amenity that might make a huge difference in someone’s life. Perhaps the greatest book you will ever read is currently sitting behind the transparent window of a little free library near you.
Have you spotted a little free library in Chippewa Falls? Please provide the location in the comments below.