Douglaston Welcomes New Little Free Library To Station Plaza

DOUGLASTON, QUEENS — At just two weeks old, the Douglaston Local Development Corporation's new Little Free Library is already a success — executive director Rebecca Gellos said she's had to restock it three times.

The free book exchange, originally suggested by local resident Catherine Bealin, opened June 21 at Douglaston Station Plaza with a collection of books donated by neighbors and Gellos herself.

Offerings range from kids' books by Roald Dahl to bestselling novel "A Man Called Ove" to a biography of the artist Rodin, according to Gellos.

"Everyone in the community can help by keeping an eye on the library, adding a book if they want to pass it along, hopefully keeping it from being vandalized," Gellos said.

Going forward, local community groups will serve as the Douglaston's library stewards and curate its book titles.

The Douglas Manor Environmental Association takes over in September to offer fiction and nonfiction books on nature and the environment.

"We are learning as we go so are hoping to see more over the summer of how the community is using the library," Gellos said.

Anyone interested in serving as a library guest steward may contact the Douglaston Local Development Corporation for more information.