Florida State University has joined a global movement of community-driven book sharing with the launch of its first on-campus Little Free Library.
Part of a worldwide network of “take-a-book, share-a-book” kiosks, these small, weather-proof boxes act as neighborhood book exchanges where anyone may take a book or leave one for the next reader. This new installation, a collaborative effort between FSU Libraries and the FSU Student Union Board, hopes to build a sense of community and encourage leisure reading among students in a low-pressure, accessible way.
“We are all about increasing access and connecting with students where they actually live and gather, and this little free library is a great extension of our mission because it creates a unique connection where you’re taking part in another person’s experience when you take a book,” said Crystal Matthews, FSU Libraries student engagement librarian.
To celebrate the installation, the university held a grand opening ceremony on April 8 at the new home of the Little Free Library in the courtyard of the Askew Student Life Center. The event marked the library’s official addition to the Little Free Library world map, joining the existing location at the FSU Panama City Campus.
The initiative seeks to expand the reach of the library’s mission beyond its physical walls and into the spaces where students live and gather.
“Reading is such a powerful way of sharing ideas, and having a place on campus where you can shrink this large environment down to pick up a favorite story or even a textbook makes the university feel a lot more like home,” said Jules Johannemann, chair of the FSU Union Board.
The Little Free Library operates on an honor system where anyone can take or leave a book for others to enjoy. These outreach efforts are designed to offer a break from academic studies, allowing students, faculty and staff to step away from their busy schedules and rediscover the joy of reading for pleasure without the pressure of deadlines.
“On a large campus, building this kind of community is vital; I’ve seen students walk into our events stressed by exams and projects, telling us that having these resources available at the perfect time means the world to them,” said Emily Lopez, FSU Libraries student engagement coordinator.
For more information, visit the FSU Libraries and FSU Student Union webpages.