CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – A book-sharing program called “Little Free Libraries” exists in 70 countries across the world. Now, Conway is on the list to have the little libraries, too.
The concept allows someone to take a book and put another book in its place from miniature libraries that resemble a large birdhouse. Create Conway and the Conway Cultural Development group decided to bring this idea to Conway to encourage a greater sense of community.
“Anyone can participate,” explains president of Create Conway, Barbara Streeter. “The library belongs to everyone of all ages: children, seniors, mothers with small children. They can all walk up to the library and share it.”
Streeter says the book sharing program is also a good way for Conway neighbors to get to know others in their community – people who may not otherwise connect even living minutes apart.
“We’re hoping to see more reading, and we hope to increase the literacy in the community,” said Streeter.
Streeter says there will be an effort to place the appropriate age level and style of books in the different neighborhoods.
“If there are more kids in the neighborhood, we’ll have more children’s books, or if there are more seniors in the neighborhood, we’ll have books for them as well,” explains Streeter.
There will be six libraries placed around the city, but Streeter says they are hoping to add more and spread the Little Free Libraries initiative throughout Horry County. The Little Free Libraries concept has to go through one more planning commission meeting and two more city council meetings to get final approval. Streeter says the group hopes to make the libraries available by January.
The exact location for the six small libraries has not been announced, but Streeter says the group hopes to make the libraries available by January. Create Conway is seeking team members to help with painting, publicity, ribbon cuttings, and gathering books. For more information, visit the group’s website.
