The College, The Observer and the Little Free Library

Eighth Little Free Library established in Newberry

NEWBERRY — The edge of the Setzler Field parking lot by College Street has become home to the latest Little Free Library in the city, making it the eighth of its kind in Newberry. These Little Free Libraries are essentially small book exchange outlets where one has the liberty to either take or leave a book with no obligations attached.

Little Free Libraries Worldwide

Across the globe, more than 150,000 such libraries have been set up in not less than 120 countries. Although the majority of these libraries typically showcase children’s books, the local project curators and stewards, Angie and David Rachels, divulged that this project took a different route. The focus here was inclined towards a larger spectrum of books mainly dedicated to adults and teenagers, straying away from the common emphasis laid upon children’s books in most Little Free Libraries.

The Project’s Seed of Thought

The idea behind this initiative sparked when Angie and David Rachels visited other Little Free Libraries to understand their layout, condition and location. During their visits, they found an opportunity to liaise with a local community business, the Newberry Observer, at the campus of Piedmont Tech.

Conversion of Old Newspaper Box

The college selected an old newspaper box, donated by the Newberry Observer, to be converted into the Little Free Library. Once Andrew Wigger, the then publisher and editor of the Observer, gave his consent and Newberry College approved this idea, the project started rolling. The newspaper box was repainted in the college’s secondary color, grey. The box was made completely water tight and was remodeled internally with shelves to host the books that were being donated. Finally, it was comfortably positioned on a platform by College Street.

Newberry College’s Involvement

Newberry College played a significant role in the project. It made sure that establishing this latest addition to Little Free Libraries did not offend any college department. The location of this library was scrupulously selected where it can be accessed easily by various college staff members and students, including the residents living around the campus. This project was intended to serve the neighbourhood and not just the college.

The Heartfelt Objective

The Rachels, as curators of the library, believe it’s a heartwarming way to circulate the books they have read amongst the neighbourhood and college community. They expressed their desire to have books from people in the neighbourhood as well as the college, encouraging a robust and diversified collection. It’s their shared dream to stir a positive change and foster a love for reading and sharing within the community.

The Remarkable Recognition

The commendable initiative of the Little Free Library has received illustrious recognition from the Library of Congress, the National Book Foundation, and the American Library Association for its substantial contribution in promoting literacy and sparking a love for reading. To learn more about this, kindly visit Littlefreelibrary.org.