Jen HendricksTwo Little Free Libraries (LFL) came to the Wichita State community this summer thanks to the dedication of WSU faculty, staff and community partners.
Ellen Abbey, director of Auxiliary Services for Finance and Administration, and Ted Ayres, director of Community Engagement and Opportunity, had separate dreams of bringing their love of reading to the WSU community and both were captivated by the concept of LFLs. Peter Mader, physical plant employee, worked to design both.
The idea behind LFL is simple. Take a book and return a book. The book you take does not have to be the book you return.
Share your favorite books with others by leaving them in the little library. But it is not a dumping ground for unwanted textbooks. They are intended to be a relaxing place where students, staff and community members can sit back and go on an adventure.
“Students need to remember it’s not all about studying,” said Abbey, steward of the Food Truck Plaza’s LFL. “Sometimes it’s OK to sit back, relax and let a good book take you on an adventure.”
The Food Truck Plaza was the first to get a new addition. This LFL is in the shape of a miniature food truck complete with working headlights. A book drive held during the first week of Welcomefest helped fill the library. Abbey is thrilled that its unique design has already captured the attention of the LFL organization and was presented a Little Free Library of Distinction certificate.
LFL
“We are very hopeful that this LFL will become a meeting place for the sharing of books, community and conversation,” said Ayres.