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Little Free Libraries make books more accessible Structures resembling large bird houses are popping up in Takoma Park neighborhoods, containing many books, free of charge. Friends of the Takoma Park Library formally inaugurated a Little Free Library on January 4, 2014 outside the Takoma Park Co-op. The concept of the Little Free Library was inspired by Andrew Carnegies support of 2,509 free public libraries. Neighbors, churches or civic groups put up the structures and fill them with donated books, all with the help of Little Free Libraries' website. Located in public spaces, the books inside may be borrowed by anyone. Those interested in picking up a book are instructed to either return the same one they took once they're done reading it, or bring another one by to replace the one they took.

The purpose of the little libraries is to improve literacy and reading ability and build community, according to Pat Hanrahan, Pesident of the Friends of the Takoma Park Library. They can act as a meeting place, giving people a chance to engage with one another. Hanrahan sees many opportunities to interest Blair students in the little library concept. Creating themed libraries is one such idea. The little libraries provide opportunities for sharing all kinds books, said Hanrahan. She hopes to gather help from Blair students and potentially start a club where we could build little libraries and give SSL hours to student volunteers. Though right now there arent many high school students taking advantage of the little libraries, according to Hanrahan.

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According to Montgomery Blair High School junior, Liam Menendez, none of us have heard of these but he plans on using them from now onwards. I also have a few books to give away, he added.