Little Free Libraries Come to Rochester
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More Little Free Libraries have appeared in Rochester and still more are on the way. The libraries are part of a national effort to get books out of basements and garbage dumps and encourage reading. Locally the effort is due in large part to a local civic activism group called The Snowball Effect. The first library was installed in October at 924 South Clinton Ave.
The mission of the Little Free Library project as stated on their national web site:
What is a Little Free Library? It’s a “take a book, return a book” gathering place where neighbors share their favorite literature and stories. In its most basic form, a Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two) and bring back another book to share. You can, too!
The currently operating libraries are Libraries are located at
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924 S Clinton Ave near the Cinema Theater
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The Little Flower Collective 458 Parsells Ave
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The Lots of Food garden outside of the Flying Squirrel Community Space 285 Clarissa St
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115 Rivella St near the Nathaniel Rochester Academy
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The Lots of Food garden at the public market
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19th Ward Community Association 216 Thurston Rd
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Ant Hill Co-Op 960 S Plymouth Ave
The libraries installed by the Snowball effect all follow the same blueprint, resembling a large bird house. Recycled materials are used when possible. The one at the Flying Squirrel uses a natural tree branch as its support structure and is painted with the names of local musicians. Each one has its own art work. The one at the public market features interesting images using buttons. The one at the Ant Hill has a winter scene painted on it. The installations are always a party atmosphere, often with live music. The 19th Ward installation had a magician performing as well as a band.
There are some other Little Free Libraries not affiliated with The Snowball Effect scattered around Monroe County. One interesting model is located on Arbor Dr near Highland Park. It contains a solar powered light that comes on when someone opens the door. A solar panel located nearby charges a battery mounted on the back of the library.
A slightly more ambitious project is being pursued by Lilli and Stuart Becktell on Brett Rd in the Winton-Merchants area. It will feature two libraries, one for adult books and one for children. The adult's library will feature a card catalog of local businesses and contractors. The children's library will be decorated to look like a barn and will be mounted on a shorter pedestal. The Becktells are looking for donations of childrens books. Those with books to donate may contact them at lilibecktell@gmail.com
The group is planning to spend the winter constructing more libraries. Look for more to appear in the spring!
