Phil Campbell starts little free library

Literacy is being celebrated and encouraged in the Phil Campbell community with the development of a Little Free Library that will be placed in Memorial Park.

March 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a ribbon cutting revealing the library, which was started by Phil Campbell Elementary School librarian Andrea Hogan. The library is a small structure fashioned after a house that will hold books for the community to enjoy for free.

“I’ve seen them in other places in my travels, and I wanted to bring it here,” Hogan said.

These libraries operate on a give-and-take basis. Community members are encouraged to take a book from it to read and also put books back in the library for others to use.

“I love that it encourages reading and sharing with others,” Hogan said.

PCES Principal Jennifer Warhurst said the school is excited for this program to be available to the community and honored the idea started with their librarian.

“We hope to have many participate in the giving and receiving of books,” Warhurst said. “We want the community to partner in the academic success of our students. Hopefully, both children and adults will benefit from the Little Free Library.”

Local authors like Dianne Pace, Terry Pounders and Kelly Champion will be at the ribbon cutting to sign and sell their books. Additionally, tables will be set up for a book swap, and the books that are left over will be put into the library for the community’s use.

Snacks and crafts will also be available for children at the event.