By Adam Dodson | The Selma Times-Journal

Thanks to a combined effort from Keith High School and International Paper, Orrville residents now have access to a new Little Free Library in front of the Orrville Farmer’s Market.

The grant from International Paper, totaling $1,000, came about after Keith staff saw a need for greater book access for students and adults alike. The former head counselor of Keith wrote the grant, deciding to seek the charitable donation for their own Little Free Library, a non-profit organization that focuses on providing free book access to communities in need of greater book availability.

The library, a small box resembling a newspaper rack, contains around 45-50 books. The books are for personal reading with the understanding of the “good faith” system that the books will either be returned in good shape or are in the good hands of an interested reader. For rent or for keep, the Little Free Library prides itself in its free book exchange.

Mia Mitchell, the current head counselor for Keith, says that many more books will be added to the Little Free Library once Orrville residents have sufficiently used the books currently in the library.

To Mitchell, the increased access will benefit any resident who wishes to expand their reading.

“It’s to benefit students and it’s to benefit adults as well. This will provide anyone with extra reading during holidays and when the school library is closed,” Mitchell said. “It is in a central location with high traffic.”

The Little Free Library also comes with a book return box, which is an old newspaper rack donated from The Selma Times-Journal.

The Little Free Library has locations across the United States. For those worrying about residents stealing books, the Little Free Library reminds people that “it is impossible to steal a free book.”

For more information regarding the Little Free Library, visit their website at www.littlefreelibary.org.