Little Free Library Established In Barbee Lakes Area
By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews
PIERCETON — Barbee Lakes residents now have greater access to books through the recent installment of a Little Free Library in the area.
Heidi Orr, who is originally from Fort Wayne but now resides in Pierceton, built a Little Free Library stand in her front yard. The library is located on EMS B8 Lane, east of Kuhn Lake and just off of SR 13. The library’s theme is based around the classic Dr. Seuss story “The Lorax,” one of Orr’s favorite books. She painted the main character and scenery, along with a Seuss quote, onto the structure’s frame.
“I really enjoy reading and I thought this would be a great way to help people stay entertained,” said Orr.
Little Free Libraries promote a “take a book, return a book” exchange which provides 24/7 access to reading materials for people of all ages. According to the Little Free Library website, there are more than 100,000 libraries established in more than 100 countries. The very first stand was built in 2009.
The Little Free Lorax Library has been operational for 2 1/2 weeks. Orr posts frequently on the library’s Facebook page to keep people posted on what’s in stock.
“I’m checking it three times a day to see what people have taken out or put in,” said Orr.
Orr also said she has received permission to install a Little Free Library at the Number 1 Stop Bait & Tackle shop on SR 13; she also plans to install one at the Lawrence D. Bell Aircraft Museum in Mentone where she is a board member.
This is the twelfth Little Free Library in Kosciusko County that is registered on the organization’s official website. Visit there to see where libraries have been established locally.
“Little Free Libraries really is a community to help foster reading everywhere, for everyone,” said Orr.