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Board approves three-month trial for student-built Little Free Library at Shed Park
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Summary
Students seeking to install a small take-a-book/leave-a-book box at Shed Park won conditional approval for a three-month trial; the board required coordination with parks staff on placement and warned volunteers the city won't assume responsibility for damage.
The City of Lowell Board of Parks on May 20 approved a three-month trial for a student-built Little Free Library at Shed Park, with conditions that volunteers work with parks staff to agree a specific location and accept responsibility for maintenance and damage.
Ellis Dowd, a high-school sophomore, asked the board for permission to install a small community lending box. Board members supported the project as a community literacy effort but repeatedly cautioned that parks operations cannot accept liability for privately built structures placed on park land. A board member proposed the three-month pilot to test location and vandalism risk; the board adopted that plan by voice vote.
The board directed the student group to coordinate with parks department staff on exact siting and size; staff will advise on locations that are out of play lines and visible enough for users. If vandalism or repeated damage occurs during the trial, the board said it would reassess whether to extend permission. If the trial succeeds, the board indicated it would consider an extension or a longer-term approval.
Board members encouraged the students and said the program could be extended if it proves durable; they also emphasized the library must remain removable (no permanent in-ground installation) and that volunteers must manage upkeep and restocking.
