Evelyn and Link Perrault add books to the Rindge Memorial School Free Little Library.
Evelyn and Link Perrault add books to the Rindge Memorial School Free Little Library. COURTESY Credit: COURTESY

Rindge Memorial School is now home to a Free Little Library.

According to first-grade teacher Allison Maher, the idea to start a Free Little Library took root during a literacy unit last winter in which students explored fiction and nonfiction books about the power of books and how reading can transform lives. One of those stories featured a Free Little Library, and a student had remembered seeing one in Keene. The student then convinced Maher and his classmates that RMS should have one.

The students wrote a letter to the Rindge PTO, which agreed to fund a Free Little Library kit. When it was delivered, Brian Leblanc built the library for the students. Once the library was built, the first-grade classes presented the project to the student body during a community meeting. Community members donated books to get the library started.

The library is next to the RMS playground.
The library is next to the RMS playground. COURTESY Credit: COURTESY
Kage Taylor, who first championed this project, explores library with his father Jared.
Kage Taylor, who first championed this project, explores library with his father Jared. COURTESY Credit: COURTESY
Esmae Hebert, Faye Ratcliffe, and Cali Muhonen choose books for the library.
Esmae Hebert, Faye Ratcliffe, and Cali Muhonen choose books for the library. COURTESY Credit: COURTESY
From left, Link Perrault, Drew Woiciechowski, Kage Taylor, Evelyn Perrault, Faye Ratcliffe, Esmae Hebert, Cali Muhonen, Alexander Wouciechowski and Ryker Basso.
From left, Link Perrault, Drew Woiciechowski, Kage Taylor, Evelyn Perrault, Faye Ratcliffe, Esmae Hebert, Cali Muhonen, Alexander Wouciechowski and Ryker Basso. COURTESY Credit: COURTESY

The Free Little Library has been installed at the RMS playground. Several students and their families met at the playground to select the first batch of titles.

The Free Little Library is now open to the public. Everyone is welcome to visit, borrow a story or leave one behind. More information is available at tinyurl.com/4x4rm492.