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7-year-old persuades Trenton parks board to recommend Little Free Library at community park
Summary
Seven-year-old Hattie Durst asked the Trenton Parks and Recreation Board to install a Little Free Library at Trenton Community Park; the board voted to recommend buying and installing one and to explore budget funding and placement with city staff.
Seven-year-old Hattie Durst, a first-grader at EPS, asked the Trenton Parks and Recreation Board on March 10, 2026, to install a Little Free Library at Trenton Community Park and offered to help fundraise for it. "I would like to ask for permission to have a Little Free Library at Trenton Community Park," she told the board.
Board members responded positively, praised Durst’s preparation and said they would work out logistics and funding. Ms. Butts moved and Ms. Lucas seconded a motion recommending that the city purchase and install a Little Free Library at a location determined by city staff (Brad Baker) and that the board look for money in its budget to cover the cost. The motion passed by roll call with one abstention.
During discussion, audience member Derek Kugler said he and others had about 10–15 books ready to donate immediately, and members suggested coordinating with the public library and the Little Free Library organization. The board noted the unit price for a pre-built Little Free Library is roughly $200–$400 and that Durst had already raised about $200 from lemonade-stand fundraisers.
Next steps include staff checking on whether Council approval is required, Brad Baker identifying an appropriate site given ongoing construction, and the Parks staff and Durst’s family coordinating installation and stewardship. The board thanked Durst and her supporters for bringing both the idea and upfront research to the meeting.
