“Little Libraries” to come to Somerset County

A little give-and-take can go a long way, especially when you’re talking about the expansive worlds that books open up.

That’s the idea behind a partnership between a local non-profit in Crisfield and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Little Libraries is a new book exchange program in Somerset County.

Clifton Harcum, program director at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore says, “In a sense it is a book trade. You don’t have to replace that same book; but you want to keep the idea of reading going. You take a book and give a book. It’s a very simple process.”

Eight hand- painted boxes placed around the county will serve as the little libraries. So far organizers have collected more than one- thousand books, but are still looking for more. The goal is to promote literacy with kids and their parents.

Shawna Kearsley, the executive director of Somos says, “It’s very important to read. Reading to your children at night is not only important to literacy, but for bonding and being there present with your children. We want the kids to understand the importance of getting lost in a book.”

The little libraries are scheduled to open during the second week of April.