British novelist, C.S. Lewis is quoted in saying, “We read to know we are not alone.”

For those looking to connect, the Little Free Library book exchange takes this literarily.

Started in 2009 in Wisconsin, Little Free Library was designed not only to help promote a love of reading, but as means of bringing people together who want to share their favorite books with the community.

On Wednesday, a group of locals gathered together at The Church of the Holy Trinity to learn more about the book exchange and how to begin the process of bringing this concept to Vicksburg.

Kay Kay DeRossette, the initiator of the local project said 15 people were in attendance, and the ball has already begun rolling on a Little Free Library book exchange in the River City.

“Three individuals have already signed up to be stewards, and another individual is approaching two community organizations that might want to be stewards as well. Also, one family has committed to building, sponsoring, and being the steward for the Little Free Library in their neighborhood,” DeRossette said.

A Little Free Library is a box built in any shape or size, and is placed in areas of the community for a “take a book, return a book” free book exchanges.

A steward’s job for these “little libraries” is to stay up-to-date on the activities of the structure, protect the integrity of the library itself, make sure the library is orderly and be able to speak with the media to help promote the Little Free Library movement.

DeRossette, who was introduced to Little Free Libraries in Fayetteville, Ark., said plans were also in the works with the chamber of commerce to apply for the Little Free Libraries Vicksburg Project to be a community fund.

“If approved by their board, people will be able to make monetary donations for this project directly to the chamber of commerce, which will help get these Little Free Libraries registered with the national organization, put these on the Little Free Library map, and provide funding for building material and other supplies like books,” she said.

DeRossette has already met with Mayor George Flaggs  Jr. in getting the city’s approval on the project and said he is in full support of the project.

Next week, DeRossette said she plans to meet with the city’s Community Development Office to make no policy changes need to be made for these libraries to be placed on public property around town.

“Besides that we are just looking for people that want to help build Little Free Libraries and donate money for supplies and registration,” she said.

For more information on how to get involved locally, email khdeross@gmail.com and for more information on Little Free Libraries, visit littlefreelibrary.org.

 

 

 

 

 

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