Located between Belmont and Angelica NY on Route 244
From Staff Reports, pictured is property owner Meredith Chilson at the new library
Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon. The small, front-yard book exchanges number more than 150,000 around the world in over 100 countries—from Iceland to Tasmania to Pakistan. Now a new Little Free Library in the Hamlet of Withey (Town of Amity) joins the movement to share books, bring people together, and create communities of readers.
A grand opening of the Withey Little Free Library was held June 1, with a ribbon cutting at 2:14 PM. Withey is located at the intersection of State Route 244, County Route 2B, and Reddy Road. The opening ceremony was attended by at least 16 people (nearly half the population of Withey). Attendees included the Withey Library architect Jim Edwards, Hornell Library Director Denise Chilson, retired librarian Ellen Donovan, local community members, family, and friends. Light refreshments were served.
Property owner Meredith Chilson, whose vision led to the creation of the Withey Little Free Library says, “Our Little Free Library doesn’t just belong to us, it belongs to the whole Hamlet of Withey and to those traveling these roads. It’s my hope that this Little Free Library will bring a little more joy, a little more connection, and whole lot more books to our community.”
The Withey Little Free Library is open 24-7 and has a great selection of books: children’s books, historical fiction and non-fiction, gardening books, cozy mysteries, a selection by local authors, classics, and more. “Bring a book and take a book”!
The Little Free Library nonprofit organization has been honored by the Library of Congress, the National Book Foundation, and the American Library Association. Reader’s Digest named them one of the “50 Surprising Things We Love About America.” To learn more, please visit littlefreeliberary.org
