May 11, 2016 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – A tiny library that would make Stuart Little feel right at home is coming to Waynesburg.

Greene County’s Department of Recreation is preparing to open the first “Little Free Library” in this area that allows patrons to drop off an old book they no longer want and “check out” a new one.

The book-sharing phenomenon is hitting many other areas as the wooden outposts, which are about the size and shape of a large mailbox and can hold dozens of books, are popping up in thousands of towns across the world.

Similar miniature library dropoff locations were installed in Peters and North Franklin townships.

“You have something you really enjoyed and loved, and you’re hoping someone else will take it and enjoy something that you’re passionate about,” parks and recreation manager Pam Blaker said of the book-sharing concept.

The newest location will be near Waynesburg Borough’s parking lot No. 4 facing High Street.

Borough Council approved the request to allow the location Monday night, although it delayed a decision on whether to also offer a $500 sponsorship for the program.

The location is within walking distance to Margaret Bell Miller Middle School.

Blaker is hoping it will be stopping point for students on their way to or from class.

“On a nice day, that could be a little trip for the grade school (students) to walk up and get a book,” she said.

No library card is needed and the honor system applies to checking out or returning books.

With the first location now secured, the department will now purchase the materials and build the mini-library, although Blaker did not know when it will be installed and ready for books. Blaker said depending on the success of the Waynesburg outpost, they could expand to other locations around the county that do not have a library nearby.

“You can put them in strategic areas so people have access to them 24/7,” Blaker said. “They’re in locations where people don’t have access to a library.”

The concept expands the Department of Recreation’s “book cart” that was stationed at the county’s three swimming pools in 2014 and last summer as a way to get children interested in reading. The success of that program spurred the miniature library idea, Blaker said.

Blaker said they will one again roll out the book cart when the pools open for the season later this month.

“With all the technology, people do like to have a hard copy in their hand, even though everything can be accessed through smart phones and the internet,” she said. “People like that quiet time and we wanted to incorporate it in the day camps.”

For more information bout the “Little Free Library” outposts, go to www.littlefreelibrary.org.