By Mike Hazlilp—
Damaged and vandalized “Little Free Libraries” are being replaced at various locations throughout Citrus Heights as a community organization works with a local high school to rebuild them.
Rotary Club President Mark Duncan told The Sentinel his organization is working with San Juan High School to repair and restore the miniature libraries. The organization began replacing the libraries at Sylvan Road and Community Drive last week, Duncan said.
From December: Little Free Libraries in Citrus Heights under repair after vandalism, theft
“San Juan High School teacher Fred Larsh’s class of Junior and Seniors rebuilt nine of the libraries,” Duncan said. “These were what was left of them that were removed a few months ago. They were in damaged and in need of repair.”
Duncan said he is talking with Larsh about continuing the project next school year.
The effort began late last year after 12 of the libraries were damaged or missing, according to a previous report by The Sentinel. The replacement libraries are designed after the historic Sylvan Schoolhouse and are mounted on more durable metal poles.
Duncan said the Rotary Club is seeking members of the community to sponsor the libraries. There is no cost, but sponsors are responsible for keeping an eye on the libraries, he said.
The Rotary Club originally worked with the History and Arts Commission in 2015 to place the libraries at various parks around Citrus Heights, according to an earlier report by The Sentinel. The program is part of the Little Free Library organization that seeks to build community and inspire reading, according to the association’s website.
Since 2009, the libraries have popped up in various parts of the United States, and worldwide, each operating on the principle of “take a book, return a book.”
