Some would say that print books are dead—but if it is, someone forgot to tell the Little Free Libraries in Pierce County, along with their users. Open 24 hours a day and kept unlocked for easy access, these miniature book treasure chests provide a way to help increase literacy and spread book knowledge around—and it all started in nearby St. Croix County, Wisconsin.

According to the history page on the group’s website, https://littlefreelibrary. org/, Todd Bol of Hudson built the first Little Free Library in 2009, as a tribute to his mother, a schoolteacher. Designed to resemble a one-room school, Bol put the first Little Free Library in his front yard. With help from others the concept took off, and today the organization is registered as a 501 (c)3 non-profit, distributing joy to readers worldwide. Little Free Libraries come in free standing post-mounted fashion, as well as bench options. Each treasure chest has a registration number, and the organization keeps a list of Little Free Libraries worldwide in case you’re scratching your head on just where the nearest one might be. Speaking of nearby, what might local Little Free Libraries have to offer to Pierce County residents? Let’s take a sampling.

Down at the Pierce County Sheriff on West Overlook Drive in Ellsworth, Robert Ludlum takes up the majority of library space currently, although there are exceptions. Alongside The Bourne Identity and The Icarus Agenda, last week’s offerings included A Daughter’s Homecoming (listed as an ‘Inspirational Romance’) and The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Allel.

Outside of town and down Highway 10 at the Trimbelle Town Hall, a Doctor Seuss themed Little Free Library recently offered titles including Let There Be Peace On Earth and Let It Begin With Me, along with Aries Rising and President of the Whole Sixth Grade— which brings us to middle school.

Across the street from the old Prescott Middle School as a freestanding addition to the city park, is a library that was stuffed full last Friday with Insurgent, Inca Gold, Endangered Animals Dictionary, the social code (all lowercase title), and last but not least, the ‘ Diary of a Wimpy Kid.’

With so much to offer, Little Free Libraries are an important support for literacy as well as self-government. After all, if people aren’t able to read, life can be hard in a society premised on near universal literacy— to say the least.

Photos by Joseph Back.