If you haven’t been on the Riverwalk trail, you should probably go. It is quickly becoming one of the most-used attractions in the region. Whether you are in to biking, walking for health, walking for relaxation or just being oustide, the trail can serve all your needs. And now, thanks to Danville Public Library and Danville Regional Foundation, you can enjoy a book at your leisure even if you left your bestseller at home.
The library recently opened the first Little Free Library at the trail entrance on Bridge Street next to the Worsham Street Bridge memorial. While the nine other will be scattered throughout the city, this one in particular lends itself to trail users.
So what is a Little Free Library? Well, have you ever heard of take a penny, leave a penny? It’s like that, but with books. The Little Free Library, a beautiful handcrafted box that give the allusion of a giant bird house, is full of an array of books from “Polar Express” to ”Twilight” free to anyone who wants to read them. The best part is, the books are completely free to use. Patrons have the option of replacing the book with another, returning the book they borrowed or just taking the book (hopefully they’ll put one of their favorites in the box for someone else to enjoy).
Not only are these boxes promoting literacy in Danville and surrounding areas, they are also providing an opportunity for groups to be involved in their community. Like the “Adopt a Highway” program, church and civic groups are welcome to adopt a Little Free Library in order to maintain the collection as well as the beauty of the box.
Eventually, when all the other boxes are put up, they will be pinpointed on Google maps so anyone, trail user or not, can locate and enjoy the literature their neighbors recommend. Check out www.littlefreelibrary.org for the map or contact Danville Public Library at 799-5195.
Russell Carter
Russell is a native of Pittsylvania County and a graduate of Dan River High School and Averett University. He is the Communications Specialist at Danville Parks and Recreation.
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