Board approves Little Free Library at Willowdale Park; staff to monitor upkeep

The Park Board on April 15 approved installation of a Little Free Library at Willowdale Park. Corey Mead, representing Modern Woodman Fraternal Financial (a community-based, not-for-profit organization), said his group would fund the library box, donate books appropriate for children and provide some maintenance. Board members and staff discussed oversight and content. One board member asked how books would be vetted and whether the board should have authority to remove titles the board deemed inappropriate. Corey Mead said the plan was to stock "normal, wholesome children's books" and that the Little Free Library model generally operates on a "give one, take one" principle. Jamieson Czarnecki, superintendent for Elkhart Parks and Recreation, noted Walker Park already has a community-installed Little Free Library maintained by a private group and cautioned against formal board micromanagement: he said the board should reserve the right to remove a library that is damaged or unsightly but otherwise let interested community groups manage stocking. Jamieson said the Walker Park unit installed by Veil Home Services has been continually refilled and that community groups have successfully maintained other libraries. Staff told the board the department would remove the library if it was "unsightly or abused." The board approved the installation by roll call; recorded votes show approval from Bill Murray, Sarah Santero and Christopher Baker. The board did not set detailed vetting rules for book titles at the meeting; staff said they would rely on the community partner to maintain appropriate stock and on parks staff to step in if removal is necessary.