Little Free Library pops up on East Main Street
Grace Hacker and her children Beau and Annabelle are pictured with the Little Free Library that stands outside their home. Grace set up the library outside their home at 1246 East Main St. to share her love of literacy with others. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – When Grace Hacker saw a friend share information about a Little Free Library in Cambridge, she was intrigued by the idea.
“I was inspired and went on the Little Free Library website (littlefreelibrary.org) and nothing showed up for Coshocton on their map so I thought I would do one,” she said.
Since opening her library at her home on 1246 East Main St., she has since discovered there are other Little Free Libraries in the community. They just weren’t registered at that time on the official website. One is located outside of city hall, there is one at the artPARK and at Wilson Carpet & Furniture. There also are some in the villages of West Lafayette and Warsaw.
“I’ve had people walk by mine and not know what to do, but you just take a book and share a book,” Hacker said. “If you can’t share one, that’s okay.”
Her books have a stamp inside of them with her address and note that they are not for resale.
“You can bring the one back that you took or keep it,” Hacker said.
Her Little Free Library has a mix of books for all ages.
“I don’t believe in censorship of literary material,” Hacker said. “There are mystery novels, teen books, children’s books and classics in there.”
She added that there were no rules on how to set up a library but littlefreelibrary.org does offer tips to get you started and structures that you can buy.
“I found mine on Amazon and some people have even made their own,” Hacker said. “They can be big or small. The website can answer any questions you might have.”
She is hoping her library will help spread the joy and importance of reading while also teaching her children lessons.
“A big reason I set this up is to help my daughter learn about sharing,” Hacker said. “I also hope it opens doors to our neighbors and connects people. Reading is universal. You can do it if you are an introvert or extrovert, rich or poor. Reading at least 20 minutes a day to your child also can make such a difference. It’s so important to read to your children.”
Category: People & Places
