New Little Free Library Brings Big Community Spirit to Ellport

A new chapter is opening—literally—in Ellport, with the debut of the borough’s very own Little Free Library, a charming, book-filled box ready to spark curiosity, conversation, and community connection.

The beautifully painted library, perched at Ellport Playground Park (Sheeler Field area), is hard to miss. Painted blue and white with the iconic Free Little Library tag with the words “Take a Book, Leave a Book” proudly displayed, it looks like something straight out of a storybook itself.

To have a Little Free Library in Ellport was an idea that Dawna Poole, Ellport resident, felt strongly should be brought to life. She brought the idea to the Ellport Borough Council and persistently showed up for more than a year.

“With the help of a few individuals, my dream came to fruition,” Poole said.

She is speaking of Councilwoman Elizabeth Speicher. According to Poole, Speicher took the reins to help. She said her husband who is retired surely had some wood laying around that could be used to build the box that would contain the books. So she had him build and paint it.

“She was my saving grace,” Poole said.

Then once the Little Library was ready, Poole said Joe McDonald from the Maintenance and Street Department for the Borough stepped up to get the pole and cement it into the ground.

The kindness continued when Poole’s daughter Calista, a senior at Lincoln High School, asked her teachers if they’d be willing to donate any books to get the little library’s stock started. High School Librarian, Heidi Feltrop, donated between 30 and 50 books.

Poole said that although these community members made this happen, they didn’t want any accolades.

“That is the kind of people they are,” she said.

Now that the Little Free Library is up and running, Poole will be the community member to maintain/manage it.

Poole said she was inspired to bring the idea to Council because of her years in health education and the values that education instilled in her.

I obtained my doctorate in nursing in December of 2023 and with that comes the responsibility of promoting health equity, improving health outcomes, and in general a commitment to significantly impact society; and Ellport is a “little corner of my world” where I could contribute to my community in some small way,” she said. “It’s a place in which I grew up and have lived most of my life. I felt this was something I could do in my area to make a difference”

Little Free Libraries, is part of a global grassroots movement, to provide 24/7 access to books for readers of all ages. Ellport’s new addition comes stocked with something for everyone—children, preteens, and adults—with big hopes that the selection will rotate often.

Community members are also encouraged to help keep the library thriving by donating gently used books. The hope is that the library becomes a place where stories are exchanged along with smiles.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a curious kid, or someone looking for a bit of small-town charm, Ellport’s Little Free Library is officially open—and ready for its next story.

Poole said the idea is to take a book, leave a book, however, leaving a book is not a requirement to enjoy it.

“A Little Free Library encourages reading and lifelong learning, builds connection and community pride, revitalizes neighborhood spaces, promotes sharing and generosity,” Poole said.

Happy reading, Ellport. Your adventure starts at the new Little Free Library.