You may have noticed a happy green box outside of Food for Fairview recently. It sits on post outside the food pantry, with a clear door that opens at about eye level to a selection of new and gently used books.
The box is one of thousands around the world representing the Little Free Library program, a grassroots movement designed to inspire reading, community, and creativity. Next time you pass it, peruse the selection. Take a book from the library (either to keep or return later) or leave a book you’d like to share with others in your community.
This particular little green box is the only library in Fairview officially registered with the international nonprofit, Little Free Library. With its proximity to both Food for Fairview and Fairview Elementary, gently used books in this box are available for readers of all ages and interests. New books for preschool and elementary-aged readers are provided through grant funds from the Duke Energy Foundation.
This library, along with two others current accessible in Buncombe County, was built by students in the Green Opportunities GO Build Program. The Asheville-based job training program allows students to participate in life and employment skills training, as well as personal and professional development activities, throughout the course of their program.
It is also one of several official and unofficial Little Free Libraries maintained by the POP Project. POP is a local volunteer-led nonprofit that works with other literacy and advocacy agents in Western North Carolina to improve community members’ access to books, and ultimately their ability to succeed. They coordinated the construction and installation of the box, and have pledged to make sure the box stays full.
Find other free libraries near you at littlefreelibrary.org. Report a need for books to POP at thePOPproject.org.
BEFORE BEING RESTOCKED WITH BOOKS
NOW, THAT’S BETTER! FRESHLY STOCKED WITH BRAND NEW BOOKS
