In 2016, under the leadership of then-president John Tennyson, the BLTA Board of Trustees explored ways to enrich community life in Barnegat Light. The idea of a “Little Free Library” was approved by the Borough Council, and the BLTA ordered its first box. Trustees Alan Thomas and Bruce Allen constructed the support, and the box was installed in front of the post office in July 2016. The Sandpaper even covered the installation in a feature by reporter Maria Scandale.
The popularity of the library quickly grew, and by 2017, it was clear a larger box was needed. Local craftsman Larry Walsh designed and built a durable fiberglass version, which was also approved and installed. Today, the original box is dedicated to children’s and young adult books, while the larger box houses adult titles. The Little Free Library has become a beloved part of our town.
FYI: The first Little Free Library was created in 2009 by Todd Boll in Hudson, WI. He created it in honor of his mother. Today there are Little Free Library boxes in 108 countries.
