MILLERSBURG, Mo. - Children and families in Millersburg now have the option to look for child-friendly reads at the local Little Free Library.
The library, which has been available since Jan. 12, has a variety of picture books and chapter books where local children can borrow or trade a book for reading.
Sherri Griffin, the registered steward of the library and preschool teacher, had wanted to create a Little Free Library since their debut, but it wasn't until after a friend's brother built the library that she was able to do so.
Now that it's ready, she has been recycling out books that have remained untouched and will reintroduce them after a few weeks. She also routinely checks the contents of the library to make sure the books remain kid-friendly.
"Because it's a children's library, I want to make sure there isn't adult literature that might be inappropriate for children," Griffin said.
The original stock in the library consisted of donated books and free books the preschool received as a result of hosting a Scholastic Book Fair. Griffin also received a $100 voucher to stock the library when she purchased a registry for guests who borrow books.
Griffin anticipates with donations there will be books stored elsewhere until she can cycle them through, but so far, she said "it's pretty roomy in there."
As a new addition, Griffin started using some of her students' unsigned artwork to include in the library as bookmarks.
"The kids are excited about it and always look into it anytime we go outside," she said. "If any family wants to use it, that's what it's there for. We are proud that we are the first one on the map in Callaway."