Jim Thorpe residents can now participate in a reading movement that is sweeping through the United States.

Little Free Library is a neighborhood book exchange where everyone is encouraged to take a book or give a book to the free library. It was founded by Todd H. Bol in 2009.

The new Little Free Library is located in the gazebo at Memorial Park in Jim Thorpe.

Peggy Kalogerakis, CCTI’s Coordinator of School Improvement and adviser of Interact Rotary Club, started the project. She approached members of the club with the idea, and they were eager to begin.

“It was a process, but I’m very glad we were able to do this,” Kalogerakis said.

Students worked on the project for a year, and it took three months to complete it.

Skyler Graver, senior and president of Interact Rotary Club, enjoyed the time spent on the Little Free Library because it will serve the community.

“It was great to see this project take off. Doing something for the community is a great thing,” Graver said.

Interact Rotary Club partnered with the Dimmick Memorial Library to physically begin the process for the library.

Kara Edmonds, Library Director of the Dimmick Memorial Library, served as a speaking representative for the club and received permission from the borough for the placement of the library.

“We wanted to make the Little Free Library on Jim Thorpe public property so the whole community could come together,” Edmonds said. “A cool little project that appeals to kids and adults, and love our neighborhood even more.”

To become an official Little Free Library, it must be registered through the organization for a fee. Each registration grants an engraved charter sign along with a placement on the website’s map.

Edmonds said people don’t need an official title to help the community with reading. Individuals can make their own free library.

“Anyone can make their own little library except it won’t be officially registered. The only difference is the Little Free Library gets a license, so it can be registered online,” Edmonds said.

All of the funds for this project were raised and donated by Interact Rotary Club.