The City of Hattiesburg in partnership with the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art (HAPA), the Hattiesburg Arts Council, local artist and businesses have joined the Little Free Library.org® in their mission to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exhibits and placing the Little Free Libraries throughout our city.
What is a Little Free Library?
It’s a “Take A Look – Find A Book” gathering place where neighbors share their favorite literature and stories. A public art project with a literary purpose. In its most basic form, a Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two) and bring back another book to share – “Take A Book * Return A Book”. You can, too!
When it comes to learning to read, educators agree: the younger, the better. Children can be exposed to books even before they can talk, but for that a family has to have books, which isn’t always the case. “I can’t stress enough the long-term benefits of literacy and early childhood education,” said Mayor DuPree. “I remember how I felt when I discovered my first, favorite book as a child. We are excited to help introduce our children to what could become their favorite books through one of the most unconventional and creative ways yet,” he said.
LITTLE FREE LIBRARY LOCATIONS: (see corresponding map)
Hattiesburg City Hall
C.E. Roy Community Center
Ben McNair Recreation Center
Hope Park
Dahmer Park
Town Square Park
Train Depot
Hawkins Elementary
Earl Travillion Elementary
Kamper Park
Hattiesburg Public School Administrative Office
Forrest General Hospital
Eureka Museum
Rowan Elementary
Mobile Street
Trinity Episcopal Church
Edwards Street Fellowship Center
Fieldhouse for the Homeless
MS Center for Legal Services
Keg & Barrel
Pine Street Dog Park
Hattiesburg Public Library
