Ossining PTA Installs 'Little Free Libraries'

OSSINING, NY — With appropriate ceremony — a reading, snacks, the singing of the national anthem and a visit from a dog who has been featured in an actual book — the Ossining PTA and school district welcomed their new Little Free Libraries into the community Sept. 27.

The teeny-tiny, free book repositories are part of what Little Free Library calls the world’s largest book-sharing movement, meant to build community, spark creativity and inspire readers.

Members of the PTA and the PTA Little Free Library Committee, plus staff, school board members and local officials, read and passed out books to students from Park School. Rorie Caparelli, the president of the Anne M. Dorner PTA, read a book she wrote about her dog Ginger, who made a guest appearance.

Schools Superintendent Ray Sanchez, along with Liz Feldman of the Ossining Town Council and Miriam Risko, President of the Ossining PTA Council, cut the ribbon and fifth-grade Roosevelt student Violet Miser sang the "Star-Spangled Banner."

“We hope these little libraries will create more readers and community connections here in Ossining. ” said Risko.

OUFSD is arranging for students to paint the boxes.

The Little Free Libraries are now at Park School, Claremont School and Roosevelt School. Anyone in the community can grab a book at any time. In addition, there will be monthly little free events at 4:30 p.m. on the 3rd Friday of every month at alternating libraries, with community guest readers and seasonal activities.

“These libraries are a great addition to our community. They will help to encourage and support reading in our students," Caparelli said.

The schedule is on the Ossining Little Free Library Facebook page.