FAIRVIEW, Ala. – A Little Free Library is officially open in Fairview, thanks to a local woman’s initiative.
Stephanie Sprouse raised $600 for the completion of the project through donations and selling homemade items. She is now working toward getting new Free Little Library locations in different communities in Cullman County and the surrounding area.
“I am planning to attend the council meeting at the Eva Town Hall on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.,” Sprouse said. “The Simcoe Community Center might be a third location to add. I want each location to be close to my home so that I can keep them filled with books and maintain them if they’re damaged. Hopefully I will inspire others to steward Little Free Libraries near their homes.”
This new Little Free Library is located at Randall Shedd Community Park in Fairview.
“We enjoy Fairview Park and want to provide an opportunity for each child who comes to the playground to leave with a book,” Sprouse said. “The Fairview Mayor Keith Henry and council approved the location at the Fairview park by the Veterans Pavilion.”
Little Free Libraries aren’t free to build. Fundraising was done to purchase the kit and materials for the Fairview location and will be done for future locations. All Little Free Libraries are high-quality, Amish-crafted boxes that should last for years in any environment. Sprouse works at Branch Books’ Cullman location and is able to take duplicate and discarded books to share with the community.
“I am so thankful for all the generous donations,” Sprouse said. “I was honored to be awarded an Impact Library Program Grant by the LittleFreeLibraryLibrary.org. These grants are for rural areas to encourage literacy. The program aims to strengthen community ties, inspire readers, expand easy book access, positively influence literacy outcomes and make Little Free Libraries available in high-need areas.”
Anyone visiting a Little Free Libraries is free to take a book and/or leave a book for someone else to enjoy.
If you are interested in donating or supporting Sprouse, call 205-601-7323 or email Sprousehouse777@gmail.com.
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