Neighborhood Libraries Provide Free Book Exchanges
Take a book, leave a book: This is the thought behind the Little Free Libraries, bringing literacy into the heart of neighborhoods.
The concept is simple: install a box in the front yard or on a walking trail, and fill it with books. Passerby can remove a book for free and leave their own, thus beginning a book exchange and creating a community of book sharers and readers.
The first Little Free Library was installed in 2009 in Hudson, WI as a small replica of a one room schoolhouse, and the idea continued to multiply from there. Today, there are over 60,000 registered libraries in 80 countries.
Plenty of Little Free Libraries can be found right here in Marshfield, and more continue to be installed by community members passionate about sharing the love of reading with their neighbors. A map of locations can be found at this link, but not all libraries are registered. Here is our list, and click the links to read our interviews with some of the innovative people behind them.
Email [email protected] to add your library or one you noticed.
1600 N. Hills Drive
Inspired by the Cape Cod home where it sits. LED lighting and weather vane on top.
2010 Emerald Street.
606 S. Lincoln
Partial replica of home where it sits, constructed from recycled materials and dog-walker friendly.
1607 Arlington Ave.
Rustic style with bench for reading.
Wildwood Zoo
608 W. 17th Street
Library replica by Trudeau Construction commissioned by Friends of the Marshfield Public Library. Situated not far from Kodiak bear exhibit.
N. Adams Ave.
Located on Wildwood Trail walking path.
Hilltop Park Apartments
2400 N. Peach Ave
Undocumented library by apartment complex near north end of Marshfield.
TARDIS (Doctor Who)
511 N. Anton Ave.
Roberta Lane off Y.
Large library outside town with walking path and seating.
200 S. Lincoln Ave.
First Presbyterian Church library installed by the Green Team and located on a bike path.
207 S. Cherry Street
Undocumented library next to Faith Lutheran Church and also near the Marshfield Public Library.
910 S. Adams Ave.
Schoolhouse-style library.
