BRUNSWICK

Libraries are wonderful resources, a place to gather information or just pick up a good book with which to curl up.

Traditional libraries offer such things, in addition to providing a gathering place for the community, but books that are borrowed eventually need to be returned. A growing phenomenon — Little Free Libraries — however, allows people to grab a book or two, while leaving some of their previously enjoyed titles behind for others to enjoy.

The Mid-coast region has a number of these, including the Curtis Memorial Library’s own LFL at Brunswick Station. The latest addition, under the care of Elizabeth Henderson of Brunswick, is open for business at the Brunswick Recreation Center.

“I have always loved reading and I thought this was a unique way to offer the opportunity to people,” she said of why she wanted to get involved with a Little Free Library. “With all the draw to technology, a lot of our youth are getting away from reading — at least that’s the appearance. The more we can make books available for all ages, the better.”

Henderson said the materials for her LFL came from Curtis Memorial Library, which had obtained a grant to purchase materials for the construction of the libraries. The library also conducted a workshop to help people learn more about LFLs and how to build their own.

“I did not participate in the workshop they had, but I contacted them to see if I could get the materials to build one,” she said. “I brought the materials home and my husband put it together.

“I hadn’t heard of the libraries before the introduction through Curtis Memorial Library — they’re a big supporter,” Henderson added. “There’s one at the train station they take care of and stock. They support people reading.”

The Brunswick Recreation Center location came about after she had approached a few places about using their space for her LFL.

“I started to try to locate a place inside and ran into a few places that were not interested,” Henderson said. “I was getting a little discouraged and decided to approach the (Brunswick) Town Council to ask if they would consider the rec center as a place for it.

“They were so enthusiastic and welcoming,” she added. “It’s been a wonderful experience working with them.”

Henderson wanted an indoor location because she enlisted several of her artist friends to decorate her Little Free Library.

“I asked three friends to do paintings on the sides — we did a four seasons of Maine theme,” she said. “They all took turns taking it home and spending time painting it free of charge.

“It came out so beautifully, at that point I was apprehensive about putting it outside,” Henderson added. “I could have weatherized it, but I felt it was a beautiful piece of work and wanted to have it inside out of the elements.”

Keeping the LFL stocked is part of her role as caretaker, and Henderson has tried to ensure a wide variety of genres are available for those looking for a book. The offerings include picture and chapter books, teen genres and adult novels.

“Hopefully people will add their books as well,” Henderson said. “Another appeal of the rec center is the hope there will be repeat visitors that can bring back a book.”

She stockpiled books for the library for awhile, mostly books Henderson and her family had read, and expects to start mining friends for future donations. The real hope, however, is that the community adds to the collection.

“In a perfect world, people would bring their books, but I’m guessing I will be needing to do some restocking,” Henderson said. “If people have a book or two they’re looking to get rid of, they should go by the library.

“If they have bags they want to donate, I’d be happy to pick them up,” she added.

Those interested in contacting Henderson about making a donation should email her at [email protected].

For more information about Little Free Library, visit littlefreelibrary.org.

rmontana@timesrecord.com