Residents organizing free little libraries throughout Bridesburg to promote community interaction
By Melissa Komar
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Even though there is no library in Bridesburg, if you’re looking to borrow books, you will soon be in luck.
Bridesburg resident Bridget James, along with her husband Thomas Clegg, is spearheading the effort to have little libraries placed throughout the neighborhood, which will be modeled after the nonprofit organization, Little Free Library.
James moved from Mayfair to the neighborhood a year and half ago and was immediately drawn to the family atmosphere.
“I always wanted to live within walking distance of a library,” James said, “and I was thinking about it one day how Bridesburg is such an awesome community, but a library is one of the big things that is missing. And I was thinking about what we could do to fix this problem.”
James was on a walk with her children Havan, 2, and Thomas, 7 months, about two weeks ago when the idea came to mind.
Internet research lead James to the Little Free Library website.
Creating little free libraries throughout the neighborhood seems like the easiest way “to fill the void of needing a library.”
James posted to Bridesburg Facebook pages to gauge interest, to which she received an overall positive response.
Premade library boxes are available through the Little Free Library or residents can build their own libraries. Residents who build their own libraries can register with the Little Free Library and receive an official charter plaque to place on the library.
Bridesburg native Lisa Mezicco works for Center City Newspaper Distributors, located in the Frankford Arsenal, which will donate old, plastic newspaper boxes for the libraries.
Her daughter and Bridesburg native Ashley Zehnder works for the Kensington-based Bernard Sign Corporation, which will be refurbishing old newspaper boxes free of charge, which will include power washing, painting and applying the decals for “the little passion project.”
“It’s important for the kids,” Zehnder said. “There is no library in the neighborhood, and even if there was, I just think some kids wouldn’t visit. Now, walking down the street, kids won’t miss it. And I definitely think it is something they will enjoy.”
The color and design of the libraries is still in the works, but the idea is for the libraries to catch the eyes of residents as they walk through the neighborhood, according to James.
Once the little libraries are refurbished and up and running, James plans to register with the national organization.
The little libraries will be placed on people’s properties, with James’ and Zehnder’s houses on the 2700 block of Buckius Street being the first locations.
As soon as the first one is refurbished, it will be open for borrowing.
James hopes to have the first libraries ready in the next few weeks.
Following the motto of the national organization, the rule for borrowing is simple: Take a book, return a book.
“When you borrow a book, you’re supposed to put one back,” James said. “So, you can borrow one and when you’re finished reading it, put it back in the library. Or take that one and keep it and replace it with another book. That way, the library is constantly stocked. And people respecting them is important.”
Books will be available for all ages, and there will be both adult and child libraries.
“If it’s all ages, the entire community can get involved,” James said. “Little kids can read, adults can chat over books. Just to get everyone interacting in the community is important.”
Instilling a love for reading and civic duty, including her own children, is the main goal behind the libraries.
“This is just a really fun way to do that, and I think this will be a really cool way to teach my kids and other kids how important it is to get involved in your community, so it serves a few different purposes,” James said.
James plans to contact local businesses and see if any are interested in being a site of one of the little libraries.
The initial goal is to place five to 10 libraries throughout the neighborhood and add more if there is a need and requests.
Residents who have a little library on their property would be responsible for adding books and making sure it’s clean and organized.
All books stocked in the libraries will be donated, and James is collecting books.
To donate books for the libraries, participate as a location, or for updates, follow The Burg’s Little Free Library on Facebook.
