SKANEATELES — Last year, Waterman Primary School teacher Pam Anastasio and her first-grade students read “The Little Library,” a story about a father and son who built a hut where children could exchange books.
The books do not need to be returned, and additional books may be donated for others to enjoy.
Inspired by the story, Anastasio started to consider what a similar hut at Skaneateles would look like.
“After reading the story, I thought it would be great to have one at school for the whole community to use,” she said.
Anastasio wrote a grant to the Skaneateles Education Foundation (SEF) to purchase the materials needed for a hut at Waterman. SEF awarded her the funds, and the hut was formally opened on Monday, Oct. 24 in a ceremony with Anastasio, Waterman Principal Pat Brown, SEF Executive Director Heather Carroll, and Anastasio’s former students.
The students were the first ones to donate books, and some even brought in multiple books.
“I am so thrilled to see this project come to fruition,” said Anastasio. “The Waterman playground is used throughout the year by so many from our community and is a perfect location for all to read.”
All community members are welcome to donate gently used children’s books and visit the library year-round.
Little Free Library is a non-profit organization that aims to build a community, inspire readers, and expand book access for all through Little Free Libraries around the world. For more information, visit littlefreelibrary.org.
