On Saturday, March 29 at 10:00 am at NOPL Cicero, Jodi Crawford will present the Little Free Libraries program, sponsored by the Friends of NOPL Cicero. This is a great opportunity for community members interested in starting their own Little Free Library! Jodi is an amazing wealth of knowledge for anyone wishing to take on this project for their own yard or community spot. Registration is recommended.
A new Little Free Library is coming to Riverfront Park! In a cheerful display of community spirit, dedicated volunteers Jodi Crawford and Allen Angus are breathing new life into an iconic little free library for the Northern Onondaga Public Library (NOPL) Brewerton branch. The boat-shaped library, originally constructed by a local Boy Scout troop around 2015, has been a beloved fixture in the community for nearly a decade. Sporting a bright blue and white paint job, the original boat-shaped library has long greeted visitors to Riverfront Park, overlooking Oneida River.
Over the years, the elements have taken their toll on the whimsical structure, with rain seeping through gaps in its weathered body. Recognizing the need for restoration, Jodi and Allen, local Little Free Library stewards known for their Bird House Little Free Library in Cicero, stepped up to the challenge. The couple has been working hard to create a weathertight and improved replacement that promises to be bigger and better than its predecessor. Their efforts will culminate in the unveiling of the revitalized library this spring. Finalizing the signature look for the project, the NOPL Communications Department staff will contribute a custom piece of art for the new design, ensuring that the library remains a unique and eye-catching landmark.
NOPL Brewerton oversees two little free libraries, including the boat-shaped library at Riverside Park and a cabin library located at the Oneida Shores County Park campgrounds. Both libraries operate seasonally, being stored from November to March to protect them (and library staff who regularly stock the libraries with books for adults and children) from harsh winter conditions. The Oneida Shores Little Free Library, another testament to community involvement, was built by an Eagle Scout, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between local youth organizations and the library system.
This volunteer-driven initiative reflects the core values of the Little Free Library organization, which aims to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access for all. With almost 200,000 registered little free libraries worldwide, this local effort contributes to a global movement of book sharing and community building. Little Free Library is celebrating its 200,000th library in March and to celebrate, they are giving 200 little free libraries and 200 books each to Title I elementary schools throughout the country.
As NOPL continues to serve the communities of Brewerton, Cicero, and North Syracuse, projects like this demonstrate the power of community engagement and the enduring appeal of shared literary spaces. The dedication of volunteers like Jodi and Allen ensures that the joy of reading and the spirit of community will continue to thrive in Brewerton for years to come.
