The Little Free Library Lynn Arnold had built has a book title for every reading level and interest. The Grand Marais resident loves books and loves to share them with the public. She goes over titles every couple of days and keeps selections fresh. “If I don’t keep it up I’ve noticed people lose interest,” she said.
The Little Free Library located at 103 Third Avenue West in Grand Marais has undergone a magnificent makeover.
Local contractor Matt Geretschlaeger built the first Little Free Library for Lynn Arnold, the homeowner, and he drew up the plans and built the second one, said Arnold who calls the new structure “My elf house.”
Replacing the small structure is a new “house” with four sections that are labeled for various reading ages. The library is also lighted, said Arnold.
It took one month to dig out and replace the retaining wall, Arnold said. Two benches were placed on either side of the library. One of the benches is for kids and the other for bigger people.
Diamond willow braces support sections of the new structure, and a diamond willow flag pole adorned with a bright flag proclaiming “books” calls attention to the Little Free Library.
“Matt used diamond willow he found on his property for this project,” said Arnold.
When questioned why she would have a Little Free Library built in such proximity to the Grand Marais Library Arnold smiled and replied her Little Free Library, “is open seven days of the week, 24 hours a day. That’s something the public library can’t offer.
“Also, you don’t need to have a library card to take a book from here. You can take a book for as long as you want and return it or keep it. The hope is that if you take a book, you will leave a book. If not here, then at another Free Library,” Arnold said.
While the former Little Free Library was painted a colorful palette of purple, orange, and green, this library is brown with windows in each of the sections so people can see at a glance a title they may want to peruse.
The old library had some problems with water leaking into it, especially when storms came from the east, said Arnold. Geretschlaeger has fixed that issue in this new building.
According to the Little Free Library website, “Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world.
“Through Little Free Libraries, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.”
Little Free Libraries range from simple boxes containing books to elaborate small structures. There are now more than 60,000 Little Free Libraries worldwide that are in more than 80 countries. Arnold’s library is registered, and it has a unique charter number. It cost about $40 to get an official charter sign and charter number.
When asked why she has such a passion for Little Free Libraries Arnold was quick to respond, “If I can put little books into little hands and get one kid to read then I will have been successful.”
If you are interested in learning more about Little Free Libraries, the organization provides a variety of support. Volunteer Little Free Library stewards provide free building instructions, online resources and ongoing support from Little Free Library staff, access to free or discounted books through its partners, and an online store that offers library kits and pre-built library models.
To learn more, contact littlefreelibrary.org.
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