Local Scouts Set Up 'Little Free Libraries'

It's called the Little Free Library, and it works like this:

Someone puts up a small, handcrafted bookshelf in their neighborhood, stocked with books for people to take, with the expectation that you'll also add books of your own.

There's already at least one in Easton, at the Shaughnessy law offices at Eighth and Lehigh streets. And starting this weekend, there'll be more.

Easton Main Street Initiative (EMSI) will be unveiling four new Little Free Libraries Saturday with a dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. in Centre Square.

The new libraries will be set up in the square, in Scott and Riverside parks, and at the Fowler Literacy Center at 200 Ferry St.

They were built by brothers Sam and John Borick, of  Boy Scout Troop #44 of Bushkill Township and Cub Scout Pack #88 of Nazareth respectively. The brothers painted one of them, while local artists Tom D’Angelo, Marya and Larry Keiper worked on the other three.

The project was funded by Crayola, the Arts Community of Easton, and Marya. 

The Little Free Library program began in Wisconsin in 2009. By the end of this year, there will be roughly 15,000 of them in 55 countries.