Two Little Libraries Open in Two Annapolis Communities

Two tiny libraries were unveiled this month in two Annapolis communities—Hillsmere and Annapolis Roads.

The “Little Free Libraries,” small, house-shaped boxes at the corners of streets, offer local residents a way to become more involved with their community through literacy.

A national movement promoting the little libraries began in Wisconsin as a way to exchange books among areas that didn’t have local libraries. According to the organization, more than 6,000 Little Free Libraries have been opened across 36 countries.

How does it work? Community members visit the library box, take a book and return it whenever they wish. There’s no security involved, just good will.

The idea to open a little library in Annapolis started with Emily Auerswald, a librarian at the Indian Creek school who wanted to open several book sites in the Hillsmere community.

Lisa Gebbia, an Annapolis Roads resident and former English teacher, said she heard about the idea from Auerswald.

“I loved the idea of having a way to share books with the world,” Gebbia said. “I grew up in a family that read constantly. I want my children to view reading as a pleasure, not a chore.”

Gebbia said the Annapolis Roads community was a perfect spot for the library because of all the dog walkers and joggers in the area.

The Hillsmere box was built using materials from the local K&B True Value on Forest Drive, and was decorated with materials found on Hillsmere’s beach, Gebbia said.

The Hillsmere little library can be found at the community beach and park on Hillsmere Drive, and the Annapolis Roads little library can be found on the corner of Pine Crest and Lakeview drives.