Back in 2000 when Meridian Public Library was established, they had a mission to provide education support, library and information services, training, and outreach to not only Meridian, but to surrounding communities. Not only have they successfully created a place for children and adults to enter the wonderful world of reading over the last 22 years, they submitted a grant proposal to Texas New Mexico Power for $7,000 after discovering a non-profit organization called Little Free Library to reach farther. Former Meridian Public Library Board Member Pam Hardcastle always wanted to incorporate the little library boxes throughout the county, and the grant finally showed a possibility to find the funding.
Not only did Texas New Mexico Power approve their grant request, they added an additional $500 to further support the cause. With the grant money Meridian Public Library was able to purchase 8 Little Free Library Boxes to be placed across Bosque County.
The Little Free Library organization based out of Minnesota builds the little libraries to be placed all over the world. Currently there are Little Free Libraries across over 100 Countries. This organization logs and registers their little libraries online and via mobile app to allow anyone the option to find a book near them. To learn more about The Little Free Library organization visit their website at www.littlefreelibrary.org.
Meridian Public Library Executive Director Marianna Woerner said, “The mission of the Little Free Library’s is to improve literacy in the communities and provide hours of reading pleasure to everyone young and old.”
young and old.”
Woerner went on to add, the grant money helped in stocking the Little Free Library’s with new and used books, and the idea of the whole program is “Take a book, share a book.” She said it’s based on the honor system, but if you don’t have a book to share that would be ok. When or if you have a book to give back, they would appreciate it. Woerner said, “we just want to make sure books are out there for people to enjoy.”
Without the help of Texas New Mexico Power, the support of the board members, and the volunteers designated to check on the boxes, this project wouldn’t have been possible, Woerner said.
Now to get your hands on a new book and share with someone else the stories you’ve already enjoyed, here is a list of Little Free Library Boxes near you. Also, it’s true, the tiny little towns of Bosque County are logged and on the worldwide map. Check www.littlefreelibrary.org to access the online map.
Cranfills Gap- 301 N. 3rd Street
Kopperl- By the school administration building.
Meridian- Bosque Bottoms, Community Garden, and Crossbow Ranch.
Morgan- Steel Creek 1008 Harris Street
Valley Mills- Valley Mills ISD building
Walnut Springs- City Hall.
