GUILFORD — The historic Guilford Free Library, which has helped to educate, inform, and entertain generations of local residents, is reaching even further into the community and beyond through a new little library located at another major landmark in town, the Guilford Country Store.
A ribbon cutting to officially open the library took place on Aug. 20.
Residents who live near the store on Route 5 can now walk to a library, and travelers stopping for lunch or a snack at the store can get a book to enjoy. The little library will be stocked with books for children and adults.
“We are so excited to be able to offer this service to anyone who stops by the Country Store or travels on Route 5,” Guilford Librarian Cathi Wilken said in a news release. “We're joining other libraries in the area and around the world that facilitate the exchange of millions of books a year.”
“Take a book, leave a book,” is the motto of the worldwide organization that has seen thousands of little libraries open throughout the world. No library cards or registration forms are necessary to use the little library, which is registered with the Little Free Library Organization.
The little library was designed and built by James Haine and painted by artist Nancy Detra, both Guilford residents, who volunteered their time and donated the materials.
“Establishing this little library has been a goal of the staff, trustees and our new friends group,” said Laura Lawson-Tucker, chair of the library's trustees. “It is the result of a lot of time and effort by our dedicated volunteers.”