Today’s youths spend so much time in front of screens, but one Bowman woman is trying to help change that.
By BRYCE MARTIN
Pioneer Editor | [email protected]
Down a tree strewn street in Bowman, in front of a well maintained lawn evoking images of Burnett’s “The Secret Garden” — when in bloom — stands a curious little box that when opened unleashes passages to other worlds and points in time.
That is, through the power of reading.
Introducing Bowman’s first and only free little library, courtesy of Linda Andersen.
A testament to the community’s enchantment for trendiness and creativity, Andersen likened her small library to a book exchange. It allows people to find a good, new book or old favorite. It has an impact larger than the small space reserved for its books, by helping local youth uncover an interest in reading, outside of the classroom.
“Kids are always doing so much screen time,” she said. So, put down the phone, switch off the computer or television and read a book.
Similar bookstands have sprung up around the country in recent years. Andersen, an avid reader, said she discovered the idea when visiting family in St. Paul, Minn., where the little libraries are abundant.
Its premise is simple: a person keeps an assortment of books, novels, short stories, or the like inside an often eye-catching mailbox-like stand in front of their home.
Visitors to this roadside library can “check out” anything they please and at any time. There’s no library card required and no set hours. The borrower can have the book as long as they’d like, and simply return when they’re ready or keep it. No questions asked.
She said she doesn’t want people to feel like they have to bring the books back, but it’s completely their decision.
The books, including adult, young adult and children’s books, are from Andersen’s personal collection, thrift stores, yard sales, and purchased online. People have also brought some of their own books to add to the collection. That’s welcomed, but Andersen suggested donating first to the local library.
Andersen has put her own touch on the little library by adding special knick-knacks, handmade duct tape bookmarks and other prizes inside for the youths that stop by, a small reward for their desire to read.
The Scranton native, who lives with her son and retired, coal miner husband, started the small library at the beginning of March. She kept its “grand opening” low-key and simply hoped people would discover it themselves.
Though she did advertise it for a few days in a community classifieds post on Facebook, she received a discouraging comment from a person wondering if it would negatively impact the, much larger, Bowman Regional Public Library. So she took the post offline.
“I think it would actually help the library if it got kids to read,” she said. “If they can’t find something in mine, hopefully they go to the library.”
Sarah Snavely, director of the Bowman Regional Public Library, said she’s more than pleased to see such a book vendor pop up in the community.
“Making books available for people is always wonderful,” she said.
Andersen’s little, free library is always open. Discover (or re-discover) your love for reading by visiting the small library at 207 7th Ave. NW in Bowman.
I just want to Thank the Bowman County Pioneer for the article on the Little Free Library. It was greatly appreciated, by me, as it has spread the word about what a Little Free Library is all about. Also, to the person that sent an unsigned card, with lovely words & a nice surprise, THANK YOU so much. It was appreciated more than you will ever know. I only wish I knew who you were to Thank You properly. I think I’m having more fun doing this than the kids & adults who are discovering what fun a Little Free Library can be.