Extension awarded 'Day of Service Grant' for Little Free Library program

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Published: Monday, 16 November 2015 15:54

The Purdue Extension Office of Pulaski County has been awarded a community service grant provided by Serve Indiana to establish the Little Free Library program in numerous towns in Pulaski County.  

“I am so excited about this grant because it gives us the opportunity to establish small libraries in our rural communities that may lack libraries or residents who have limited access to books,” said Dr. Natalie Daily-Federer, Extension Office Director and 4-H Youth Development Educator.  

“Research shows that low level education and poverty go hand-in-hand and that many people are just trying to feed their families, let alone purchase books for their children or for their own use.”

The little libraries look like oversized birdhouses and are all enclosed.  Each one will house a number of books for children and adults. Books may be returned or kept. 

“Our goal is to help youth and families gain accessibility to books,” said Daily-Federer. “If they want to keep it, no problem. That may be one of the only books in their home. We can get more and will look to restock the libraries quarterly.”

Little Free Libraries will be placed in the spring, pending community or town approval, and the locations will be in Star City, Medaryville, and Pulaski.  Donations of gently used children’s books and adult books or magazines (which focus on parenting, cooking, and healthy living) may be dropped off at the Extension Office. Financial donations may be made as well to purchase and upkeep the little libraries.  

“Anyone is welcome to use the little libraries and we hope that it will raise literacy awareness and accessibility to books in our community,” said Daily-Federer. 

Check the Extension Facebook page for updates and reminders by searching for Pulaski County Extension Office or visit the web site at https://extension.purdue.edu/Pulaski. 

Please contact the Pulaski County Extension Office with questions or concerns at 574-946-3412. The Extension Office is located at 125 S. Riverside, Winamac and is open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (EST), Monday-Friday. 

The mission of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is education of Indiana citizens through the application of land-grant university research and knowledge base to develop youth and strengthen agriculture, families and communities.