‘Little Library creators are reporting a large turnover of the books’

How are Prince William County’s “Little Free Libraries” doing? 

From Prince William County Library Foundation Board member Candi Johnson: 

“First, let me say that the program is doing great. Many of our Little Library creators are reporting a large turnover of the books in their Little Libraries. Mom’s Organic Market is actually asking for book donations to fuel their ever-growing need. Earnie Porta is also reporting a big turnover in his Little Library in Occoquan and others are reporting the same thing. 

 

Right now the Foundation is doing a big push for Children’s books to get more of those available to the Greater Prince William Community Health Centers. It also needs to be noted that these Little Libraries are not, in any way, meant to replace our wonderful Prince William Public Library System – rather a way to improve literacy and get people reading books again. Hopefully, once adults remember how much fun it is to hold a book and read it, they will be using our brick and mortar Libraries more and more.” 

“Though I have been a patron of the library system since becoming a Prince William County resident in 2000, I am a very recent appointee to the Library Board of Trustees and as such did not hear about the initiative originally.

 

I have seen one Free Little Library location around the community and it did not seem to be getting much use or traffic based upon appearances. The shop that was presenting it had it on the covered porch of their store which is housed in an old home in Occoquan. Though it was under cover of a porch, the elements did seem to be having an effect on the materials.

 

I also did not see any evidence of information about the public library system presented there and think that should be the case, thus offering this “free library” and encouraging use of our wonderful library system where access is free, too.”