Little Free Library At Crystal Lake Nature Center

Once upon a time, there was a teacher. Her name was Mrs. Esther Bol, and     she loved books almost as much as she loved children. When Mrs. Bol passed away, her son Todd wanted a meaningful way to honor her. So he built a tiny shed, filled it with books, and placed in on his lawn with a sign: “Take a Book, Return a Book.” Just like that, in 2009, the first Little Free Library was born in Hudson, Wisconsin.

Little Free Libraries are the result of an international movement to advocate literacy and a love for reading through the creation of free book exchanges. More than 10,000 of them exist around the globe, according to the library. The small, custom-made boxes stand in public spots and go by the mantra of "take a book, leave a book."

The Kiwanis Club of Crystal Lake and the Crystal Lake Park District have announced that the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center, 330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake will soon be home to a structure that resembles a little house, but in fact holds a miniature library for all ages. This location will be the 3^rd such ‘Little Free Library’ location in Crystal Lake. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Little Library at The Nature Center was held on Tuesday, June 17.

The structure has several shelves that could each hold between 10 and 15 adult, young adult and children's books, according to Carol Heisler, a representative of the Crystal Lake Kiwanis Club. Individuals and the Crystal Lake Public Library will donate books to launch the endeavor.

We hope you’ll visit these Little Free Libraries and borrow the books they contain. We hope you’ll share your discoveries with your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Most of all, we hope you’ll be inspired by the love of literacy and community that they represent. "Take a Book, Return a Book." It couldn’t be simpler – or more powerful.

Book Donations
Little Free Libraries are all about sharing. If you have gently-used paperbacks or hardcovers you'd like to contribute, please place them in the Little Free Library nearest you. Visit the Little Free Library location listing to find a location near you: http://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/