Amityville to create 'Little Free Libraries' on village land

Amityville Village trustees last week gave formal approval for five book-borrowing cubbies on village land.

The cubbies, also known as “Little Free Libraries,” were placed at Peterkin Park, Nautical Park, Park Avenue Elementary School, the Northwest School, Amityville Beach this summer; another will go to the the Vest Pocket Park when it is finished.

Business has been brisk, with about 375 books borrowed in July, according to Ann Hofbauer, Amityville Public Library’s assistant director. The Peterkin Park cubby is so busy library staff are restocking it about every three days. “There’s a playground there that sees a lot of activity,” she said. “Every time I go there, I see kids going through the Little Free Library and parents reading to their children.”

Hofbauer has achieved a certain measure of fame this summer by piloting the library’s specially constructed “book bike” around the village and to the Farmer’s Market on Fridays. The three-speeder, currently in Al’s Cycle Shop for a tuneup, carries a cargo of free books for children and adults.

“It’s exciting and has been well-received,” Hofbauer said.

Anyone who wishes to donate books in good condition for children and young adults may drop them off at the cubbies or at the library, 19 John Street.