North Rockland Rotary Little Free Library Project
By Joe Truhon
The North Rockland Rotary Mini library project was installed with the ability to make reading books available free of charge. It was installed in beautiful and scenic Pecks Pond in West Haverstraw, NY, within a gazebo. The project was initiated by Past presidents Ralph Kirschkel and Carol Hoerter.
In Fall of 2022 at the District Service Symposium, Rotarians from all throughout our District built their own Little Free Libraries. There are over 150,000 little libraries and more then 300 million books have been shared all throughout the world. As one of many Rotary clubs in our District, we are offering a selection of free books for all ages to “take a book, share a book”.The North Rockland Rotary originally had a previous site selected, the consensus of the project team was to place it in a location where people have direct access, plus enjoying a serene scene to inspire them as well. The beautiful pond is ringed by an illuminated walking path and features two water displays. Amenities at the park include a multi-generational fitness station, children's playground with an ADA accessible swing, a pavilion, an ADA accessible fishing pier, solar powered comfort station, a basketball court, recently refurbished roller hockey rink as well as three hand crafted gazebos.
As the library contains books for everyone to enjoy, we have initiated a take one book home, and bring back two suggestions for those that use the library. A means of replenishing the library content. A Rotary board member periodically reviews what library materials is in the collection to assure no books that contain inappropriate material is within our library.
The community has embraced this mini library as a form of educating their literary wealth. In support of September being Education and Literacy Month, we are proud to be among many clubs who support this project.
To find our library, please visit: Pecks pond