SRU’s Stone House Center for Public Humanities partners on free library

Sept. 8, 2017

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Little free libraries have become a global phenomenon. The small, front yard and sidewalk book exchange boxes number more than 50,000 worldwide and can be found in all 50 states and 70 countries. And now, you can add Slippery Rock to the list thanks to a partnership between the Stone House Center for Public Humanities at Slippery Rock University and the Slippery Rock Community Library.

The two entities have donated a Little Free Library to "share books, bring people together and create communities of readers" according to Karen Pierce, director of the Slippery Rock Community Library.

A Little Free Library is a "take a book, return a book" free book exchange. Anyone is able to take a book or bring a book to share. LFL is a nonprofit organization based on "inspiring a love of reading, building communities and sparking creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world" according to the organization's website.

Located on Main Street in front of North Country Brewing Co., the Little Free Library box will be available year-round. Community members are able to give a book they've enjoyed to the box, or take a book that sparks their interest. The Little Free Library will also be regularly stocked with books by the SRCL.

Through Little Free Libraries, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

"I love the idea that a visitor can take a souvenir from the Little Free Library of Slippery Rock and have that serve as a reminder of how fabulous and giving our town can be," said Pierce.

"The Center for Public Humanities is all about making it easier for everyone to enjoy reading and learning at every stage of life," said Aaron Cowan, CPH co-director and SRU associate professor of history. "Sponsoring a Little Free Library just seemed like a natural fit with our mission. It's our hope it will be embraced and used by the community frequently."

The nonprofit organization has been honored by the Library of Congress, the National Book Foundation and the American Library Association while being named one of the "50 Surprising Things We Love about America" by Reader's Digest.

For more information about the Slippery Rock Little Free Library, contact the Slippery Rock Community Library at 724.738.9179 or Aaron Cowan at aaron.cowan@sru.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robb.king@sru.edu