Beginning Monday, July 9 the Neighborhood Outreach Office will launch the Mesa Little Libraries Program. The program supports Mesa residents in creating Little Libraries to inspire a love of reading through book exchanges and to foster connections in neighborhoods. This program was developed through the Imagine Mesa Initiative and is modeled after the national Little Free Libraries program with permission from Little Free Library, LTD.
A Little Library is a "take a book, return a book" free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share.
This year, the City of Mesa is committed to funding a minimum of six libraries with opportunities to expand if community interest increases. All applicants will be reviewed on a first come, first serve basis, subject to availability of funds, completion of required paperwork and project approval by the Neighborhood Outreach Office.
Those interested in Little Libraries may receive up to $260 in building supplies needed to create, weatherize and install a library on their private property. The City will also provide support to new and existing library owners by covering a $40 registration fee with www.littlefreelibrary.org which includes an official Little Library plaque and charter number. This one-time registration provides Little Library owners with connection to other library hosts to share the best practices for success. It also places each Little Library on a map to help residents find Little Libraries nearby. To find registered Little Libraries near you, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/.
To learn more about hosting a library of your own, apply at www.mesaaz.gov/littlelibraries. For more information call (480)-644-5434 or email neighborhoodoutreach.info@mesaaz.gov.
Public Information and Communications
Contact: Kendra Wise
Tel. 480-644-6410
Kendra.Wise@mesaaz.gov