Pop Up Library Vandalized; Good Samaritan Brings it Back

SOUTHOLD, NY — It takes more than some vandals to break the spirit of the Southold Free Library.

An outraged resident posted a photo of the damaged pop up library at Goose Creek Beach in Southold this morning: "This is what's left of the 'pop up library' at Goose Creek! Damaged? Stolen? WTH?! Sad and disappointing," wrote Lori McKiernan.

In July, the new pop up library, dubbed "Liz's Little Book Snuggery" and "Little Free Library" appeared at Goose Creek Beach in Southold, all thanks to a team of angels who made it happen.

But although it was found damaged Tuesday, not to worry, said Southold Free Library Director Caroline MacArthur.

MacArthur said a "lovely woman" returned the pop-up library to her.

"It was damaged, and a very kind woman called me this morning. She found it — at Cedar Beach! — and returned it to me."

Her husband took a look at the library and said it can be easily repaired, MacArthur said.

"I am considering a relocation to perhaps a beach that might be less prone to bored teens," she said.

But the incident doesn't destroy MacArthur's desire to share books with the community. "My faith in humanity doesn't waver," she said. "More kind and good people have supported and helped with this than vandals."

She added, "It will be back. It takes more than that to shake me."

MacArthur said she had been thinking about doing a pop up library for years.

"It all came together this spring when Liz Shanks generously donated it to the Southold Free Library," said MacArthur.

MacArthur said she received permission from Southold Town to place the little library at the beach.
Jeff Standish, director of Southold Town's public works department, met MacArthur at the beach to install the library.

Although the top of the library was taken, the 4 x 4 was still standing Tuesday; she thanked Standish and crew for their good work.

Books are donated from the library; Shanks, who writes a children's book blog, also donates children's books.

Staff and volunteers check and replenish the supply. And when the library box broke recently, MacArthur's husband ran down to repair it.

Each book has a sticker stating, "This books is for you!", a gift from the library. The sign on the front reads, "Take a book, leave a book," but MacArthur said the library has plenty.

"There will be no shortage of books for this season," she said.