Stonehill College Joins Little Free Library Network

The next time you’re walking across the Quad, you might notice that a tiny house-like structure has been installed in front of Duffy Academic Center. No, it’s not a birdhouse, though it sure looks like one. Rather, it’s a public bookcase, designed to promote book exchanges among students, faculty, staff, alumni and local community members.

The idea to construct this box where readers can either leave or take a book emerged from collaborations between Assistant Director of Career Development Renee Bernier ’13, Assistant Director of the MacPháidín Library for Public Services Uma Hiremath, and Registrar Katie Walo. The trio, who founded Stonehill’s Faculty/Staff Book Club, wanted to find a way to share their love of literature with others. 

“We all know that sometimes a good book can make a huge difference in our day,” Bernier said. “Whether you're looking for an escape, a bit of wisdom, or just a new perspective, books have the power to shape our lives in unexpected ways.”

When the group settled on the idea of adding the book box to Stonehill’s grounds, Facilities Management commissioned Mark Larson, the College’s carpenter, to bring the concept to life.

“Being environmentally friendly was important to all of us, so I used material from my leftover shop stock,” the bookcase builder said. “I used white Azek trim boards and a brown Trex decking material. The Trex decking is made of recycled plastics. These types of materials are made from composites that will last longer outside in all weather conditions.” 

Bernier registered Stonehill’s book exchange box with Little Free Library, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that seeks to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access for all. In total, there are more than 200,000 registered book-sharing boxes worldwide. These little libraries can be found in all 50 states, in 128 countries, and across seven continents. More than 400 million books have been shared through this network.

Since registering with Little Free Library, Stonehill has been listed on the organization’s world map. This online platform reveals that the College’s bookcase is one of nine currently in the Town of Easton. As director of the Ames Free Library at the time, Hiremath played a role in launching Easton’s first seven Little Free Libraries in 2016. 

The College’s book exchange box was officially unveiled at a small gathering held on Wednesday, April 23, which was World Book Day. Before inviting attendees to add books to the case for the first time, Walo shared her vision for this new campus fixture. 

“We hope this Little Free Library serves as a source of discovery, connection, and community for all who pass by,” she said.