Get a Book at the Little Free Library

Little Free Library

By Tammy Hinkle Buckland Mills Elementary School is proud to announce that our Little Free Library is now open for business. What is a Little Free Library you ask? Well it is a small structure specifically designed to house books, protecting them from the weather, in order to provide our community with free books. Students, and community members, are encouraged to take a book that they would like to read. Those same books can be returned when done being read. Donated children’s books can also be shared in the Little Free Library if you think someone else might enjoy it too. Although adults can use the Little Free Library, we would like to keep the books appropriate for elementary students. “We hope to continue getting books in the hands of all our Wildcats all the time,” said Kelle Stroud, principal of Buckland Mills Elementary School. Connor, a fifth grader said, “I think the Little Free Library is great because when school is closed, I can go over and get a book.” This is an excellent way for us to provide books on weekends, holidays, and over summer break.

In 2016, LittleFreeLibrary.org, donated the very first structure to Prince William County Schools. Since then, more than 60 schools have received Little Free Libraries for their communities. Schenell Agee, supervisor of library media programs and research in the Office of Student Learning, has written numerous grants over the past five years to acquire the materials to build the structures. The students in C.D. Hylton High School carpentry program have been building most of the Little Free Libraries that we see throughout the county. Several schools have had other organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, donate their structures. The students of C.D. Hylton High School have made various styles over the last few years, including the one installed at Buckland Mills Elementary School. Each year the students work to improve the design. This year’s version included shingles on the roof.

One grant enabled Agee to purchase several kits directly from LittleFreeLibrary.org. Those structures were assembled by several county middle school Tech Ed Programs. “It is important to me to enlist the support of our students because these are real world learning opportunities to support their growth,” she said. “Teaching and learning about literacy is

at the heart of the library program, but engaging other stakeholders solidifies ownership for everyone. With some great funding, we are hoping to ensure every Prince William County school has a Little Free Library for the 2020-2021 school year.” When Buckland Mills received their structure, it was painted all white. It has since been colorfully painted to add to its appeal. A ribbon cutting was held on November 1 to celebrate the grand opening. Students from the school’s Battle of the Books Team then filled the library with 30 books for the first time. We were so excited to see that by the end of the long weekend the library was empty and had to be refilled. Fifth grader and Battle of the Books team member, William, said he loves the Little Free library. “It allows kids to have access to books at any time and putting books in kids’ hands is important,” he said. Lucas added, “For kids whose parents may not have a lot of money, the Little Free Library allows kids to get some books that they can keep at home.” According to Elizabeth Beckman, reading specialist, “The kids are so excited to visit the Free Little Library and find a book to borrow. Many students get out of their cars in the morning and rush right over to it. While students are waiting to be picked up in the afternoon, they visit the Little Free Library and get a book to read. It has sparked a great desire for our students to get their hands on a book!” Fifth grader Colson said, “I think it is good for kids to try new books.” Idil, another fifth grader added, “Many kids are using it and are learning new words.”

Community members are encouraged to donate books directly to the structure. If it is full, please drop your donations off to the front office. We will ensure that as the library gets low, donated books are added for all to enjoy.