Little Free Library Opening At Fredericksburg Area Museum

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A Little Free Library is coming to downtown Fredericksburg. The book-sharing box will open on Saturday, March 20, outside the Fredericksburg Area Museum's entrance on William Street.

Little Free Library is a nationwide book-sharing movement that encourages generosity and literacy in communities. The Little Free Libraries are small, outdoor boxes that offer donated books to the public, free of charge. The libraries encourage a "take a book, leave a book" philosophy, according to a news release from the Fredericksburg Area Museum.

The Little Free Library will be installed by Brown Riggins, a volunteer at the museum. It is his senior project for Old Town Academy.

"I was looking for a way to give back to the community I enjoyed being a part of so much," Riggins said. "Fredericksburg is the perfect city to have something like a Little Free Library at its center because of its family friendly aesthetic and large amount of foot traffic."

The museum's installation will be the first Little Free Library in downtown Fredericksburg.

Riggins has been involved with the museum for several years. He first visited with his family when he was 3, and began volunteering when he was 13. In the past, Riggins has given tours, taught classes, and helped create displays for the museum.

Sara Poore is the CEO and president of the Fredericksburg Area Museum. "It has been such a wonderful experience watching Brown grow up at the museum," Poore said. "His connection to the museum and his love of history and learning is why we do what we do! Working with him on this project has been a joy."

Riggins believes the new library will be a valuable addition to the downtown community.

"This project's aim is to bring the Fredericksburg community closer in these trying times," he said. "Entire families spend time together in Old Town [Fredericksburg], and this will be a fun activity for them to choose and share books."

The Fredericksburg Area Museum offers exhibits, displays, and programs dedicated to the history of the region.