Photo by: Brian Wise

It’s a universal truth that just about any secret can be unearthed if enough hours are spent searching in a well-stocked library. Unfortunately, another universal truth holds that such libraries are generally uncomfortably quiet, dimly lit and guarded by strict elderly women with beady eyes and pointy noses.

On campus, there is not much of a selection for pleasure reading material.

“It’s [Tomlinson Library] more of a research library. We have one small shelf of best sellers,” library employee Samantha Wittig said. “We see most students during the first and last week… for mostly papers and research.”

Perhaps, then, the solution lies in making reading appear more friendly and enjoyable.

Three and a half blocks east of campus, on 14th Street between Elm Avenue and Kennedy Avenue, a quaint cottage-like structure sits at the end of a residential driveway. Though at first it may be confused for a lavish mailbox or state of the art birdhouse, the wooden structure is actually a miniature library.

Part of a worldwide social enterprise called Little Free Library, the structure is designed to promote literacy and the love of reading while also building a sense of community through the exchange of skills, creativity and wisdom.

Unlike your traditional library, there’s no need to apply for a membership card. Anyone is welcome to open the double glass doors and take whatever piques their interest, whether that’s a popular read like John Grisham’s “A Time to Kill” or a life advice book like “Never Kick a Bear in Your Bedroom Slippers.” Scholars can delight in “Berlioz Self Teacher: Italian,” as well as a complete set of “The Book of Knowledge.” There’s even something for cat lovers: “Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat.”

Best of all, there’s no need to worry about late fees. The mini library operates completely off the honor system and encourages readers to take books for as long as they like, provided they give something in return. A comfortable bench has been placed nearby where weary travelers can rest in the warmth of the sun while they delve into the secrets stored by books.

Free Little Libraries extends well beyond the friendly neighborhoods of Grand Junction as people from Brazil to Africa enjoy the gifts of book exchanging. If you’d like to find out more information on Little Free Libraries, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org.

cferganc@mavs.coloradomesa.edu