Friends of Fernridge Park have crafted a ‘Little Free Library,’ and its grand opening is planned for Sunday, June 26.

Finishing touches are being put on the Little Free Library that will have its grand opening in Fernridge Park on June 26. Courtesy photo

By Ronni Newton

There are approximately 40,000 Little Free Libraries throughout the world, and West Hartford is about to get its fourth when the Friends of Fernridge Park installs a painted wooden structure filled with donated books on June 26, 2016.

The philosophy of the Little Free Library program, a worldwide movement that launched in Wisconsin in 2009, is: “Take a book, return a book.” It’s all on the honor system.

The Friends of Fernridge Park organization is installing the library, which has been built and painted by volunteers, are hopeful that it will become “another of the many pleasures of being in Fernridge Park throughout the year.”

The structure will be installed between the pool house and the toddler playground. It will be filled with books and magazines for people to look through while they spend time at the playground or pool with their kids. “If you don’t finish by the time you’re ready to leave the park, just take it with you. Bring it or another book back when you’re done, keep it if you like, or pass it on to a friend,” Friends of Fernridge Park said in an email.

The grand opening will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 26. The volunteers who created the library, as well as the volunteer stewards who will make sure it remains stocked, will be in attendance.

West Hartford has three other Little Free Libraries, including this one at 40 Boswell Rd. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

There are three other registered Little Free Libraries in West Hartford, including 179 South Highland St., 40 Boswell Rd, and another on Concord Street between Farmington Avenue and Fern Street.

For more information and the history of the Little Free Library movement, visit the organization’s website.

Following the grand opening of the Little Free Library, Friends of Fernridge Park will also be holding a Community Pool Party “FUNraiser” beginning at 5:30 p.m. The cost of the event, which includes swimming, arts and crafts, games, pizza, and music by DJ Paul, is $7 per person.

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The Little Free Library is ready to be installed in Fernridge Park, and will have its grand opening on Sunday, June 26. Courtesy of Friends of Fernridge Park