Have you noticed Little Free Libraries are popping up all over the area? These adorable libraries, usually near public spaces, originated in Wisconsin in 2009 as a way to share books within communities. The idea is to “take a book, leave a book” and promote easily accessible literacy. The creator of the first Little Free Library, Tod Bol, wrote:
I really believe in a Little Free Library on every block and a book in every hand. I believe people can fix their neighborhoods, fix their communities, develop systems of sharing, learn from each other, and see that they have a better place on this planet to live.
Tod Bol passed away one year ago this month, but his legacy lives on. I’ve seen Little Free Libraries near playgrounds in my area. I’ve had my kids go through their books and find the ones they have outgrown, so that we can leave books for others. They love checking to see if their books got taken, and they imagine who might have them now. It feels great to live in an area that supports literacy for all!
Keep checking back as the following list will get updated. Also, if you know of a Downriver Little Free Library that is not on the list, please contact Tina Sreniawski through Facebook (facebook.com/tina.sreniawski). Happy Reading!
- Allen Park – 644 Kolb at a park that was once Sudman Elementary school and 15250 Euclid
- Brownstown – One is at Wegienka Elementary School, located at 23925 Arsenal Rd; one is at the Brownstown Community Center/Thorn Park at 21311 Telegraph Rd; and one is at the Brownstown Historical Society at 23541 King Rd
- Flat Rock – Inside Michigan Memorial Park, located at 32163 Huron River Dr; 28800 Arsenal Rd inside Huroc Park; and at the Flat Rock Community Center: 1 Maguire Drive
- Grosse Ile – At the fire department: 24525 Meridian, and another is located at the Recreation Department: 25555 West River Rd
- Riverview – One is at Parkridge Dr near Glens Park, and another is at 18130 Mulberry St
- Southgate – 12814 Mercier, 13330 Trenton Rd (Bethel Baptist Church), and Windermere Rd near the post office
- Taylor – 6750 Troy St at the Senior Center Complex; 22205 Brian Street; and two are also located near Heritage Park at 12111 Pardee and 2100 Northline
- Trenton – Open Book Theatre at 1621 West Rd; General Store at 2427 West Rd; and First United Methodist Church at 2530 Charlton
- Woodhaven – 23101 Hall Rd at Hall Road Park playground near the splash pad
- Wyandotte – Vacant lot at 1st and Elm St and 1207 Eureka Rd
For a more detailed view of each location, please visit https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap.
