Little Free Libraries Dedicated in Annapolis

By Kathy Knotts 

Hoping to help encourage reading while libraries are only open for browsing by appointment, members of local civic organizations worked to bring books into communities around Annapolis. 

The Rotary Club of Annapolis, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Parole, and the City of Annapolis held a dedication ceremony last week at Truxtun Park to celebrate the establishment of Little Free Libraries (LFL) throughout Annapolis.   

Little Free Libraries provide free books in convenient locations at self-contained kiosks throughout the community so residents can enjoy reading and obtain books for their own homes. Each LFL is stocked with books from 13 genres donated by Books for International Goodwill, the Parole Rotary’s international project, which distributes books around the world.  People are encouraged to “Take a Book. Keep a Book. Share a Book.”   

There are now 20 LFLs located along the West-East Trail and throughout the city. Each LFL is sponsored and stocked by Rotarians and other community members. Five of the libraries include a separate kiosk that is solely dedicated to books for children. Nature Sacred has sponsored four of the libraries for children.  

Each library is dedicated to an historic or influential person from Annapolis, the state, or the nation. With the installations, the Annapolis LFLs are registered at www.littlefreelibrary.org and become part of the world-wide network, bringing reading to millions. What distinguishes Annapolis LFLs is that readers are encouraged to keep the books as a gift from Rotary.  

“We are all looking for diversions these days,” said Mayor Gavin Buckley. “What is a more fun diversion than being transported by a good story? I’m glad that Rotarians are dedicated to bringing little libraries to our community and keeping them stocked”  

Over time, the LFL Committee will report to Rotary on the usage of the LFLs in Annapolis. Phase Two of the project will bring books inside community centers, and Phase Three contemplates a county component. For more information: www.annapolisrotary.org/little-free-library.