Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon. The small, frontyard book exchanges number 36,000 around the world in 70 countries, from Iceland to Tasmania to Pakistan. Now, a new Little Free Library at St. Luke’s Plaza will join the movement to share books, bring people together and create communities of readers.

“Our Little Free Library doesn’t just belong to us, it belongs to all of Tryon,” says Tracey Daniels, Coffeehouse Co-op board member. “It’s our hope that this Little Free Library will bring more connection and even more books to our community. The library is a total team effort. We coordinated with Tryon resident Mark Schweizer to build a unique ‘little library’ that would fit our quirky little downtown. Mark’s granddaughter and Tryon Elementary School second grader Addie Buss made the ‘Take a book, Leave a book’ sign. The Coffeehouse Co-op paid for supplies to build the library and for the official registration signage.”

The co-op volunteer board also worked closely with new town manager, Zach Ollis, to get the library installed and to pick the perfect downtown location. Penny Padgett, owner of The Bookshelf, will stock the book-box with free bookmarks and flyers promoting new titles. She also plans to donate books, too. The hope is that this first Little Free Library is a catalyst for a creative, town-wide event to plan and create more.

The Charter Number and official plaque is scheduled to arrive in three to four weeks. When the official sign arrives, Tryon’s first Little Free Library will officially be on the world map of libraries. There will be a yellow-ribbon-cutting ceremony when the charter sign gets installed.

The Little Free Library nonprofit organization has been honored by the Library of Congress, the National Book Foundation, and the American Library Association, and Reader’s Digest named them one of the “50 Surprising Things We Love about America.” Each year, nearly 10 million books are shared in Little Free Libraries.

– article submitted by Tracey Daniels