Literacy opens learning doors. Little free libraries have been popping up in public places throughout Warren County to help open these doors. One of the latest of these small libraries is located …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Attention subscribers
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, or you are a print subscriber who had access to our previous wesbite, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you have not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print subscriber and did not have a user account on our previous website, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue
Need an account?
Print and web subscribers
If you're a print and web subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.
Online-only subscribers
If you are a digital subscriber with an active, online-only subscription then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
Non-subscribers
Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Little free libraries promoting literacy
Posted
Literacy opens learning doors.Little free libraries have been popping up in public places throughout Warren County to help open these doors. One of the latest of these small libraries is located directly in front of the Pendleton Methodist Church just off of Highway B in Pendleton.These libraries are the brainchild of former Wright City R-II Administrator Rich Lagemann and the Daniel Boone Retired Teachers Association.“Our goal is to get books into homes in Warren County,” Lagemann says.Just like the other free libraries, the one at Pendleton Church contains books for both adults and children. People can check these books out using an honor system. However, if books are not returned to the library, Lagemann says that is OK too.“At least the books will be in a home,” he said.Other library sites have included the Economy Supermarket in Wright City and Agape Ministry in Warrenton. Lagemann says he is hoping people will donate books to the libraries to keep them full.“We are happy to help advance literacy any way we can in Warren County,” states Bob Hysong, lay leader of the Pendleton United Methodist Church. “When my wife brought up the idea to our church board to have a little free library at the church, the group embraced it. And we know there has been traffic to the Little Free Library, as books have been moving in and out.”In addition to the Little Free Libraries, Lagemann built 75 bookcases for children entering kindergarten this past year with the help of volunteers. Each oak bookcase is 2 feet wide and 3 feet tall and can hold up to 25 books. Last year, in conjunction with the bookcase project, a book drive was held. Lagemann said he received about 4,000 books, some of which have been used in the library project. Others will be used in future bookcase projects.“We have attended the bookcase ceremony and are a small part of a larger group that donates financially to the bookkcase effort each year,” says Hysong. “It is a very gratifying feeling knowing that we all can help to make a difference in young lives so early in the game in such a simple way — by literacy.”Hysong also urges the community to donate books to both Little Free Libraries and the bookcase project.“We’ll help you get those books directed to the right people so they can find the right places to get good results,” he said.For more information, contact Bob Hysong at 636-359-7671 or email him at bhysong@centurytel.net.
Pictured above is a “little free library” located in front of the Pendleton Methodist Church. The library contains books for adults and children and people can check out the books on an honor system. Submitted photo.
