In recent years, many public libraries have dispensed with fines for overdue books, but they would still like them back. However, some much smaller local libraries geared toward young people actually don’t expect books to be returned at all. 

“There’s no limit to what you can take,” said Ann Harrison when discussing three Little Free Libraries that provide reading under these terms on a recent afternoon. 

Harrison formerly handled interlibrary loans at the Peterborough Town Library, and is married to Peter Harrison of the Peterborough Kiwanis Club, the organization that is working to get books into the hands of young readers. A global organization founded in 1915, the Kiwanis’ motto is “serving children of the world,” and Peter was a charter member of the Peterborough chapter in 1989.

Ann recalled how Peterborough resident Tina Kriebel acquired a Little Library kit before the pandemic. 

“I got the Kiwanis involved and said. ‘Lets keep this filled,’” said Ann, adding that they did so right through COVID.  

The libraries are wooden boxes roughly the size of picnic coolers. Windows on the unlocked front doors allow the titles inside to be seen, and colorful painting makes them hard to miss along sidewalks.  Phrases such as “Take a book!” “Return it or keep it!” and  “Go on a reading adventure!” adorn their sides. 

Currently, Little Free Libraries can be found in Peterborough at Adams Playground, on Grove Street across from the Town House and at The River Center. They are stocked with children in mind – chapter books, picture books and board books, the stiff-cover books for toddlers and infants.  

Explaining where the books come from, Peter said, “Donations, house clean-outs, the recycling center.” He said that they have to check and restock the libraries every week or two, especially the one at Adams Playground, which the couple says can be about 95% empty when they go to restock it. During summer, that library is especially busy.

“I think it’s probably because of the pool there,” said Ann. “Little ones can’t swim yet, so parents grab a few books to keep them content.”

They put Kiwanis stickers in all the books that cycle through the libraries. 

“Honestly it’s nice to see them empty when we go to refill them. It means kids are reading,” said Ann. 

“Normally we don’t get books back,” said Peter, which suggests that they are in circulation. 

The Kiwanis have also organized bicycle rodeos to promote safety and give out free helmets, and they distributed used car seats for babies until possible liability issues were raised. 

“When you register a Little Free Library (with the Kiwanis) the site is put on a map,” said Ann. 

A fourth Little Free Library is planned for the area, but the site is not yet set. 

“Help yourself!” said Ann. 

“Read!” added Peter.