It warms our hearts to know that our new free lending libraries are enjoyed and utilized by residents like the Ivy family! Kayla and her 4th grade daughter Ivyana love to pick out books and have expressed their appreciation for the free reading opportunity that the library provides. With each book they pick, we certainly hope they discover new adventures and share some smiles, strengthening their bond over stories and imagination. We’re excited to see our residents taking advantage of this resource!
Thanks to the Waco Sunrise Rotary Club who generously donated $2000 toward the addition of Little Free Libraries in our public spaces. City of Bellmead Parks maintenance staff completed the installation of two new libraries and a bench in mid-July. The new locations are outside the Civic Center at 3900 Parrish and in Memorial Park in front of the Municipal Courthouse at 3017 Bellmead Dr.
What exactly is a Little Free Library? It’s a free book-sharing box where anyone may take a book or share a book. The goal of this project is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for the citizens of Bellmead. Because people are able to both receive and give books to these libraries, they allow for an opportunity to build bridges and strengthen community bonds and attachment.
Waco Sunrise Rotary Club also furnished several boxes of books to get the libraries started with a generous supply of books. Bellmead Parks and Recreation will continue care of basic maintenance like keeping the library clean and inviting, but it is up to everyone who uses the library to keep it stocked with good books. They function on the honor system. You do not need to share a book in order to take one. If you take a book or two from a little library, try to bring some to share to that same library, or another in your area, when you can.
Three similar free libraires were priorly installed in Brame, Devorsky, and Lions Park. These were made possible by a valued young leader in our community, Lucy Pethtel, who provided the libraries as a Girls Scout Project. The additions from The Waco Sunrise Rotary Club increase the total free library locations to five in public spaces across the City.
The libraries’ locations are added to the Little Free Library world map, so that readers will be able to locate them through their website or mobile app.
Happy Reading!