The Winfield Public Library’s Little Free Libraries have been rebuilt and refreshed thanks to the Winfield High School Carpentry Program.  The project was completed by the lead student Sander Flower as part of an Independent Study under the direction of instructor Justin Hogan and assistant George Lowe. This project aims to promote literacy, community engagement, and access to books for residents of Winfield. 

In 2019, the original libraries were a project of the Friends of the Winfield Public Library and were also built by the Winfield High School carpentry program. “We are glad to continue our involvement in this project as it is important for students to see their work benefit the community” said Justin Hogan, WHS Carpentry Instructor. The WHS Carpentry program is a key partner in other community outreach efforts including work on the Habitat for Humanity houses and the House of Hope.

Tabitha Hogan, director of the Winfield Public Library notes the importance of the partnership, “we are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership with Winfield High School, their volunteerism allows us to reach more people in Winfield, spreading literacy and the joy of sharing stories.”

Little Free Libraries are small, publicly accessible book exchange boxes where individuals can take a book to read or leave a book for someone else to enjoy. They serve as an entry point to the library that promotes literacy and a love for reading while fostering a sense of community connection.

The libraries are at Winfield Housing Authority, 1417 Pine Terrace; Winfield City Hall, 200 E. Ninth Ave.; Cowley County Historical Museum, 1015 Mansfield St.; the 12th Avenue and Alexander Street area, near the Canterbury Village apartments; and the Broadway Recreation Complex.

For more information about the Little Free Library project please contact Tabitha Hogan at (620) 221-4470 or director@wpl.org.