Address: 1019 West Washington
Steward: Laurel Maguire
Little Free Libraries have always drawn my attention as a cool concept. In Ann Arbor they have become a part of our community’s culture through their installation at many public facing areas. In addition to the ‘let’s promote reading’ aspect, I like that Little Free Libraries facilitate the interaction between a variety of people. They encourage members of a community to connect in new ways wherever they are located. As garden coordinator of The Bear Den, our library’s placement was a strategic decision. It’s installed at the front of the school near the garden to draw attention to AAPS gardens; since Slauson’s is only one of many. School gardens are another example of building community around an idea.
Librarian and steward, Laurel Maguire, restocks our Little Free Library from the school library’s free book cart. My husband, kids, and I are always cycling through books. Donating them to the school is a great way to share our family’s love of reading. Slauson’s library has been restocked five times since its installation in August. I often observe groups of students peeking in to see if there are any new books. Parents waiting for their kids can take a book or leave one. Outside of school hours these libraries invite neighborhood residents into vibrant and important places in the city that they might not normally see up close – our public schools.
Stop by to check it out Slauson’s Little Free Library and if you see me in the garden please do stop by to say hi!
–Carolyn Herrmann is a part-time accountant, regular school volunteer, and full-time mother to kids
Featured in October 2018 newsletter