In an effort to make books even more accessible to the community, the Atlantic City Free Public Library unveiled a ‘Little Library’ on May 4 at Absecon Lighthouse. Those who visit the lighthouse can take a book from “Lightkeeper Buddy’s Little Library” – named in honor of George “Buddy” Grover, the former lighthouse keeper who passed away earlier this year at the age of 96.
A Little Library is a book-sharing box that is accessible 24/7, removing barriers to book access to all members of the community. The Absecon Lighthouse is the Atlantic City Free Public Library’s second Little Library location. The other Little Library opened in April 2023 at O’Donnell Park. Both were funded by the Foundation of the Atlantic City Free Public Library.
Little Free Libraries promote neighborhood book exchanges in public bookcases, where people are encouraged to take a book from the box and share one for somebody else to enjoy. In addition to having a book-sharing box, both of the Atlantic City Free Public Library’s Little Library locations include a bench for those who wish to read.
Atlantic City Free Public Library staff members maintain the Little Library locations, stopping by to check on their condition and, when necessary, supply more books. They contain books for people of all ages. Many of the books were donated by the Bridge of Books Foundation.
These two Little Library sites are official locations of the Little Free Library organization – a nonprofit based in Minnesota. The first Little Free Library book-sharing box was built in 2009 in Wisconsin. There are now more than 175,000 registered Little Free Libraries around the world. More than 400 million books have been shared through registered Little Free Libraries, profoundly increasing book access for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Civic associations, ward leaders and members of the community are invited to contact the library about the possible placement of a Little Free Library in one of their nearby parks.
