Lorraine Deffenbaugh placing the first book inside the new Little Free Library.

WINONA LAKE — Winona Lake visitors will now have free access to books anytime of the day or night thanks to a new Little Free Library.

Everyone is welcome to borrow a book to read from the library.

Lorraine Deffenbaugh has lived in Winona Lake for the past 15 years. She was inspired to create a Little Free Library to honor and remember her parents who loved reading. She bought the library over a year ago and has been collecting books and planning its existence since then.

Most Little Free Libraries are placed in people’s yards, but Deffenbaugh chose Winona Lake Limitless Parks after learning that Park Director Holly Hummitch always wanted one in the park. This placement will allow greater access to the library.

“The perfect match of the all access playground allowing all children to play together with the welcoming world that awaits through books,” said Deffenbaugh. “We are thrilled to be part of this joyful experience.”

The library was installed last night, June 26. Deffenbaugh made sure the first book included was one she wrote herself for a family Christmas. As she continued to place more books inside the library, she told her own stories and memories behind each one.

Everyone is welcome to borrow a book to read from the library. Inside each books there is a spot for readers to write their names. Once done, readers can choose to return the book and even donate their own favorites.

A dedication for the new library will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 1. The event will coincide with the Winona Lake Independance Day celebrations.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2009. Over 2,500 Little Free Libraries exist in the country. A map of all the locations is available online.