MECA First Veterinary Clinic to Host 'Little Free Library"

is now part of "The Little Free Library" movement that started in Wisconsin and has spread nationally, as well as to other countries.

MECA's library, adorned with vibrant, artist-drawn animals typically treated at the hospital, was installed on April 12. MECA is the first veterinarian clinic in the world to establish a "Little Free Library." Alicia Rheal, recently featured in national media for her pet portraiture, is the artist.

“This is such a wonderful opportunity to promote reading, advocate for animals and create a community around our mutual love for pets,” said Marla Lichtenberger, DVM, MECA’s founder. "Our 'Little Free Library' will feature animal books, which anybody is free to read and take home."

The animal hospital is located at 3670 S. 108th Street in Greenfield.

Since the program began about a year ago, people who visit these libraries both take and contribute books to them, though there is no requirement to donate books.

"The amazing thing about this movement is that these 'Little Free Libraries' are self-sustaining," explained Rick Brooks, co-founder of the program. "The concept has been embraced wherever they are set up, and there has been no problem keeping enough books in the libraries because people enjoy contributing."

More about his project can be found at www.littlefreelibrary.org.

MECA is a 24 Hour Animal ER hospital located in Greenfield, Wisconsin. A board-certified critical care specialist is on duty seven days per week, 24-hours per day. They treat illnesses and injuries that strike the smallest rodents to the largest dogs. For more information, see www.erforanimals.com.