Lauren Miller, a speech language pathologist for the Superior school district, is hoping the community can come together around Little Free Libraries in city parks.
“If we do have a lot of people that are going to parks during the day, the skate park at night, how crazy would that be if they could just pick up a book,” Miller said.
The idea for the free exchange libraries has the backing of the Parks And Recreation Commission if groups or individuals decide to sponsor a community sharing library featuring new or gently used books for people of all ages.
“We’re open to allow it,” Council President Keith Kern said. However, taking on the financial and physical responsibility for maintaining the libraries is another matter.
“I would be all in favor of it if there is a stewart that is not the city,” said Linda Cadotte, parks, recreation and forestry director.
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The city’s Parks and Recreation division has seven full-time and seven seasonal workers to maintain close to 500 acres of parks dispersed through the city, 20 miles of trail, six ball fields, four boat launches, two fish-cleaning stations, 4,400 acres of city forest and 229 acres with 2.75 miles of beach on Wisconsin Point.
Cadotte suggest they could be included on the city’s “adopt-a” options.
“I really like this concept. I have to agree with Linda. We constantly have a lot of things we’re trying to maintain and the more we put on our plate, it lets other things slip aside. I think this is a very valuable thing for this community.”
The panel voted unanimously to support the initiative if sponsors can be found.
For information about Little Free Libraries, go to littlefreelibrary.org.
