Community News

     The Oswego City-County Youth Bureau brings the service titled “Oswego’s Little Free Libraries” to local parks in the community. 

     The youth bureau placed old newspaper boxes as well as handmade wooden boxes in three local parks: Breitbeck Park, East Park and West Park. The youth bureau then filled them with books that were donated by members of the community. 

     The idea behind a “Little Free Library” is to “take a book, return a book.” Children and adults look through the books offered in the “Little Free Library,” take a book of choice, and in exchange leave a book in the box so books never run out.

     This idea is a worldwide phenomenon that was established by a family man in Wisconsin; it later spread across the nation as thousands of “Little Free Libraries” have been registered in local parks and public spots. 

     Dawn Mettot, who works for the Oswego City-County Youth Bureau, said she read an article about a “Little Free Library” online and had to act on it.

     “I contacted one of our common councilors, Eric VanBuren, and was talking with him about it,” Mettot said. “He actually helped to secure two newspaper boxes that we converted into ‘Little Free Libraries.’”

     Mettot said her father participated in “Oswego’s Little Free Libraries” as well.

     “My father actually made one of the boxes,” Mettot said. “We put that one up in Oak Hill Park to start with. It’s not there now, it’s currently here because it needs to be repaired.”

     Mettot’s efforts, however, did not go unnoticed by the community.

     “I was contacted by a family here locally whose son came from Minnesota on the train,” Mettot said. “He literally brought a whole box to his mom because she loves reading and he thought it would be a wonderful gift for her.”

     Mettot said the mother donated the box to the youth bureau, which is now being used by members of the community in East Park. 

     Although there are currently three “Little Free Library” boxes in Oswego, Mettot said more are on their way.

     “Back in December, we applied for a mini grant,” Mettot said. “We received a mini grant for $500 to build six more, which will be built by the tech-ed class at Oswego High School.”

     “Oswego’s Little Free Libraries” were placed in parks last August, and have been active since. They are always available for use, even in the winter as they are waterproof to ensure books stay dry.

     Mettot said she hopes members of the community will use this service, as it promotes literacy for both adults and children alike. 

     “It helps build a sense of community,” Mettot said. “We’re able to share our likes and dislikes of literature, and really, exposing children and adults to other literature out there.”

     The Oswego City-County Youth Bureau accepts book donations to place in “Oswego’s Little Free Libraries.” Metott can be contacted for donations or questions via email at [email protected] or via phone at 315-349-3575.