Little Free Libraries Open in Overton Park
Climbing through the tunnel at Rainbow Lake Playground or traversing the monkey bars at East Parkway Playground are fun ways to spend an afternoon. But what if the kid in your life feels like reading Hop on Pop rather than playing hopscotch?
We’re happy to say that at Overton Park, we’ve now got you covered. Over the past few weeks, we’ve opened not one but two Little Free Libraries in the park. These small structures are full of books that kids can take at any time, for reading at the park or at home. The libraries operate on the concept of “take a book, leave a book,” so that a healthy exchange will keep them stocked for the next curious kid.
Rainbow Lake Playground’s Little Free Library was built by Evergreen Historic District Association, while East Parkway Playground’s library was built by Midtown Cub Scout Pack 13. The Scouts are no strangers to library installation; one of their members, Logan Guleff, helped to build one in his neighborhood. The East Parkway library was designed to mimic the entrance to Overton Bark, so it’s possible we’ve got some serious budding architects on our hands!
Both libraries have already gone through several cycles of books, so we’ll need your help to keep them stocked! We’ve received generous donations from Books from Birth and Friends of the Memphis Public Library, but the libraries’ popularity means that books are usually “checked out” very quickly. If you have any books (new or used) you’d like to donate, please feel free to stock them in the libraries! Or if you have a large amount, you can drop them off at Overton Park Conservancy’s offices at 1914 Poplar Avenue, Suite 202 and we’ll replenish the libraries as needed. (Give us a shout at 901.214.5450 or [email protected] to arrange a dropoff or pickup time.)
Because these libraries are both located at playgrounds, we’re focusing on books for children. If you have books for adults, check out this Little Free Library map to see where you can drop them off around town. We’re looking for high-quality books, so think about your own favorites. A donation of one amazing book could be passed around to hundreds of kids, so your gift just multiplies over and over again.
We’re so excited to bring this great nationwide project into Overton Park. Little Free Libraries encourage literacy, responsibility, sharing, and learning. They’re also pretty darn fun, and each one is unique. With your help, we’ll have a collection of books that’s as interesting and eclectic as the people who love Overton Park.
