A Boy Scout Built A Little Free Library For The Gaithersburg Arts Barn, Opening Next Month

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A Little Free Library is set to be installed at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn, part of a worldwide program of the same name that works to build small outdoor boxes filled with free books that people in a community can share.

This Little Free Library box was built by Jered Lottes of Boy Scouts of America Troop 1760 as part of his Eagle Scout project, and it resembles the Arts Barn. Gaithersburg artist Hiral Joshi painted the library box to show the types of arts and performances you can find at the Arts Barn. An unveiling is set for Oct. 6.

“I am delighted to welcome another Little Free Library to the Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion campus,” said Shellie Williams, Cultural Events & Services Division Chief of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture, in a news release. “These book-sharing boxes give 24/7 access to reading and bring community members together to share their joy of the written word. Best of all, as demonstrated by the libraries at the Arts Barn and Mansion, when it comes to design and decoration, they can be as imaginative as their creators.”

This is the fourth Little Free Library at a City of Gaithersburg park or facility, the city said — the other three are at Constitution Gardens, History Park in Olde Towne, and Kentlands Mansion. There are more than 100,000 Little Free Libraries in over 100 countries, Little Free Library says on its website. The program aims to give people free access to books 24/7.

"Studies have repeatedly shown that books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy," Little Free Library says on its website. "The more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. But two out of three children living in poverty have no books to call their own."

Special Dedication Ceremony

When: Oct. 6, 6 p.m.
Where: Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road in Gaithersburg

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