Sidney library to expand with new Little Library

SIDNEY — The Sidney/Richland County Library will get a medium-sized extension this year with the addition of a Free Library outside.

"Sometimes, we have overflow from donations that we can't put in the collection," library director Heather Cotter explained. "We're going to use our little lending library to fill that up."

With this little library, she noted, people "who can't get a library card because they don't live here" or are passing through and want something to read can take advantage.

In addition to taking a book or two to read, Cotter said that community members are welcome to add books to the outdoor collection.

"If somebody came by and had a book and wanted to leave one and take one, that's fine," she said. "We will definitely be checking on it, seeing what's in it so we can rotate out the material to keep it fresh."

Books that are checked out of the library should be returned in the regular fashion, either inside or through the book slot after hours, rather than using the Little Library, Cotter noted.

Cotter has had this idea since she returned to Sidney last year, after returning as library director. "It's kind of been a year-long thing, but this spring we're actually going to be able to get it out and ready," she said.

In the meantime, Teen and Adult Services Librarian Kathryn Murphy is compiling a list of existing Free Libraries in the county. She was aware of eight such locations in Sidney and has since learned of five more, including one in Fairview, making at least 13 in all to her knowledge.

"Some of them are at school, churches and there are actually a few inside businesses, so they're only accessible during business hours," Murphy said.

Murphy is compiling the information into a map to help community members find free libraries. In addition, she said, it may prompt others in outlying communities like Savage and Lambert to follow suit and build free libraries there, too.