There’s a new service at First Presbyterian Church of Nicholson.
A cheery red and white Little Library in the parking lot of the State Street church holds dozens of books, all free for the borrowing — or taking. First Presbyterian Church member Lori Mackey presented the idea to Pastor Leslie Bullock. She thought the Little Library would benefit the community, especially in the pandemic, when libraries might not be fully open.
“We want children to be able to read, but it’s very tough to get books in times when schools aren’t open, and the adults may have read everything they have already,” Mackey said. “We think that we’re giving people convenient access to books.”
Little Free Library is a registered nonprofit organization that looks to inspire a love of reading, build community and spark creativity. The libraries hold anywhere from 20 to 100 books and help people around the world find a love for reading.
First Presbyterian’s Little Free Library features adult books and children’s books, all of which are donated. Anyone can come up and take a book out of the case to read. If they have a book to trade in its place, they can put it in the case.
“People can come take a book to go home and read,” Mackey said. “If they want to bring it back they could, but they also could keep it if they want to. There’s no checkout or check-in.”
The Little Free Library officially opened up to the public last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Nicholson Borough Council members Joan Jenkins and Albert Olive, along with some members of First Presbyterian Church. Hadley Mackey, 6, was the first person to take a book from the new library, one of her favorites, “The Cat In The Hat.”
KEVIN MCCONLOGUE / STAFF PHOTO
Hadley Mackey holds her book she got from the Little Free Library at First Presbyterian Church of Nicholson.
“I like to read,” Hadley said. “There’s a lot of books that I like in this case. I’m going to take some more out.”
When the Nicholson Public Library closed more than 15 years ago, residents of the area had to visit public libraries in Tunkhannock or Factoryville to get books. Church members hope the Little Library will make it a lot easier for kids and adults.
“Kids who need to read a book for school can come over and see if we have the title,” Mackey said. “Parents in the spring and summer can come get a book to sit on the bench and read while their kids are in the park. We think that this is a fairly convenient location as well.”
The library will be at the entrance to the parking lot of the First Presbyterian Church, 65 State St.
Contact the writer: kmcconlogue@wcexaminer.com; 570-836-2123 x36
