WIOTA - A free-standing library has sprouted in Wiota with no library card required. But those who take a book can return the favor by returning a book.
Local woodworker Del Norland heard about Little Free Libraries and thought Wiota should have one. In memory of his friend, and avid reader, Dave Peterson, Norland built one for the community.
"Dave was always in the middle of a good book. He was also a great storyteller in his own right," Norland said. "He was always quick to share his books and stories with people who were interested."
The thought behind Little Free Library is as simple as "take a book, return a book," and the idea has become a loosely-organized movement, with 5,000 registered structures in all 50 states and in about 40 countries.
The Wiota library is attached to the front porch of the Wiota School House, where people are encouraged to take a book and return a book. To get the library off to a successful start, he has stocked it with books from his own collection and from friends and family.
"I like the idea of people sharing their favorite books with their community. The more people who participate and contribute their books, the better," Norland said. "I hope the library will appeal to all ages. Dave was a great collector of books and an ardent reader. He would have been its best customer."
Local woodworker Del Norland heard about Little Free Libraries and thought Wiota should have one. In memory of his friend, and avid reader, Dave Peterson, Norland built one for the community.
"Dave was always in the middle of a good book. He was also a great storyteller in his own right," Norland said. "He was always quick to share his books and stories with people who were interested."
The thought behind Little Free Library is as simple as "take a book, return a book," and the idea has become a loosely-organized movement, with 5,000 registered structures in all 50 states and in about 40 countries.
The Wiota library is attached to the front porch of the Wiota School House, where people are encouraged to take a book and return a book. To get the library off to a successful start, he has stocked it with books from his own collection and from friends and family.
"I like the idea of people sharing their favorite books with their community. The more people who participate and contribute their books, the better," Norland said. "I hope the library will appeal to all ages. Dave was a great collector of books and an ardent reader. He would have been its best customer."