SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Springfield Town Library is excited to announce that two of three new “Little Libraries” will very soon be available for people to take a book, leave a book when they cannot get to the library to borrow one. The library is committed to increasing literacy in the community, and sought out grant funding to ensure more reading material is freely available in Springfield. Both of these two new book boxes will be installed at Springfield Housing Authority properties. One will be at Westview, and the other will be at Mountain View. The third one, which will be ready next month, will be installed at the future North Springfield location of the Springfield Family Center.
Community partners and school children were involved in the design and creation of the little libraries. Much thanks to Dan Keirns for his building expertise. Students from Elm Hill School’s Student Council designed the one with clouds, flowers, trees, and a pathway. Many thanks to their advisor and school librarian Lora Cokolat, and the student council members: Paisley Crowley, Julian Danforth, Toby Farnsworth, Adelaide Peck, and Cecilia Allen. Springfield Art Gym took their design and made it a reality. Shouts of gratitude go out to Mona Frye, Jess Willis, Ava, Sara, Kenadi, Angel, and Caleb for their artistic talents. Local artist Sarah Oaks designed and decorated the Little Library, encouraging all to “Get their cool books here!” The final one is being designed and created by Karen Longo of Dragonfly Designs. All are looking forward to seeing what it will look like when it is installed at the Family Center.
The Little Library project is funded by a Sustainability and Resiliency in New England Libraries Grant through the continued generosity of an anonymous private foundation, and the Association for Rural & Small Libraries. This project is one facet of the library’s quest to achieve certification as a Sustainable Library. The Sustainable Libraries Certification Program (SLCP) provides library leaders with a tested, structured path forward to increase our library’s commitment to environmental stewardship, economic feasibility, and social equity.
The Springfield Town Library serves as the heart of our town. We connect people, ideas, and endeavors of all kinds. Together, we honor our past and embrace the future. We transform lives. Call the Library at 802-885-3108 if you have any questions or suggestions for future programs.