Little Free Libraries are in place

The Little Free Libraries are finished, and Life Scout, Scott Luke Hellebusch, and his family, along with some Rotary and Community Garden Committee members were on hand as they were installed.

The library was a great addition to the Learning Kitchen at the Dunklin County Caring Council. There is a children's section for the kids to enjoy, and mothers will be sure to enjoy the cookbooks in the collection. Hillary Moore, the coordinator for the Healthy Schools/Healthy Community Program, and Rotary President Roger Wheeler were there to meet the group. "The Library is a really great addition to our kitchen, and we are excited to see how the kids who are in Taste Buddies respond to it," said Moore.

After the library was installed, Rotary members and the Hellebusch family went on to St. Francis Park Assisted Living Facility, where the second of the three Little Free Libraries was put in place. Facility Director, Cathy Kelley, R.N., was there to show the group to the recreation room where the Little Free Library was set up for the residents. "That looks so good; he did a great job," said Kelley. "The children's book section will be great for the children who come to visit."

Photo by Laura Ford, staff Life Scout Scott Luke Hellebusch (L) and Rotarian Freddie Graham stand next to one of three Little Free Libraries made by Luke for his Eagle Scout project. This particular library was placed at the St. Francis Park Assisted Living facility.

Luke said that it took some time to complete the libraries because it had to be done in several phases with the assistance of other Scouts. Luke is a member of Kennett Scout Troop 272, and he built the libraries to be used by Kennett residents. They are all easily accessible and stocked with books for people to borrow and return or trade and are based on trust and good will. Luke said the purpose of the libraries was to promote literacy and the love of reading.

Donations for the libraries were from the following groups and individuals: Kennett Rotary Club, Kennett Kiwanis, Senath State Bank, Barton's, and Will and Matt Mobley.

The last library to be installed will be the one at the Community Garden. The group went out to put it in place; however, the ground was too hard and they needed to add some finishing touches to it, so it will be revealed in a few days.

For those who would like to donate books to the Little Free Libraries, contact the Dunklin County Caring Council at 573-717-1158.