Right behind the Gold Eye Clinic in Fairfield, Texas, a new addition was made near the end of May 2020, the Neighborhood Lending Library.
This unit is a free standing blue wooden cabinet that has three shelves, built by Tommy Miller, a roof provided by Danny Cockerell, paint provided by Trinity Star Arts Council(TSAC), Braden Bossier’s work to paint the cabinet, books donated by Fairfield Elementary and Intermediate libraries, and puzzles provided by the neighborhood.
Rachel Bossier says, “We thought it would provide enrichment for families, encourage reading, and variety.”
Visitors have been frequent, including some who came while the Lending Library was being stocked, yet they have respected the box by keeping it organized and full.
Tommy Miller originally thought of this idea years ago after seeing similar things in large city neighborhoods, and was finally able to make his dream come true.
There are only three rules to follow when using the Lending Library, take and add freely, keep it clean, and E for Everyone rating when you do choose to leave.
Currently Rachel Bossier is looking for the metal newspaper boxes, like you see outside a store (or like right outside our office) to make more Lending Libraries.
She explains they are a good size and waterproof, but there is no ‘magic way’ to do this so anyone can build one and paint it. Water resistance is the one thing it needs, not perfection.
In fact, the original was a plastic tub that sat at the end of Shady Lane.
If someone wanted to donate supplies, Tommy Miller would be willing to build more though.
The most important part is that you protect the books, and share them.
