STE. GENEVIEVE – The Ste. Genevieve County Library is finding new and creative ways to bring library services beyond its walls by connecting communities throughout Ste. Genevieve County through partnerships, collaboration, and innovation.
O Road Little Free Library
Providing library services across a rural county comes with unique challenges. Ste. Genevieve County is made up of many small communities with limited gathering spaces, making traditional outreach options such as a bookmobile difficult to implement and maintain. Instead of focusing only on what is difficult, the library has worked to identify affordable and sustainable ways to bring resources closer to residents.
Ste. Genevieve Little Free Library
That effort led to the creation of the Little Free Library Loop, a countywide initiative made possible through partnerships with the Ste. Genevieve County Fire Protection District, the Ste. Genevieve Fire Department, the Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve, and BMW Convenience. Together, these partners have helped establish eight Little Free Libraries located throughout the county.
“We wanted to find a way to expand access to books that was both meaningful and sustainable,” said Library Director Shawn Long. “Our community has a lot of unique challenges when it comes to geography and accessibility, but it also has incredible organizations and individuals willing to work together. This project is a great example of what can happen when we combine those strengths.”
The Little Free Library Loop takes the traditional Little Free Library concept a step further by creating an interactive countywide reading adventure.
Residents can pick up a passport at the Ste. Genevieve County Library—or often find one inside a Little Free Library—and begin visiting each location. Every Little Free Library features its own unique stamp. Participants collect stamps as they visit each location, with prizes awarded after completing three stops, five stops, and all eight locations.
“We wanted to encourage people to explore their communities while discovering new books,” Long said. “The Loop turns reading into an experience and gives families another reason to visit the many wonderful areas throughout Ste. Genevieve County.”
The Little Free Libraries are refreshed monthly with carefully selected materials from the library’s collection and quality donated books.
“When books are removed from our shelves, many still have years of reading left in them,” Long explained. “We are excited to give these books a second life and make sure they continue reaching readers. Our goal is for every person who opens one of these libraries to find something they are excited to take home.”
The Little Free Library Loop is one example of how the library continues to adapt and expand services through partnerships and responsible use of available resources. Following the defeat of Proposition L, the library has continued looking for innovative ways to meet community needs while being mindful of available funding.
“We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish with the resources currently available to us,” Long said. “At the same time, we know there are many more opportunities to expand access, increase outreach, and provide additional services if future community support allows us to do so.”
The library hopes to build on the success of the Little Free Library Loop by working with additional sponsors and community partners to support future prizes, printing, and maintenance costs.
“The Woman’s Club of Ste. Genevieve and Bryant Wolfin at BMW Convenience helped inspire this idea,” Long said. “After discussing the concept with Little Free Library representatives at a conference, we realized we could turn these locations into something more than just book exchanges—we could create a way for the entire county to participate.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to pick up a passport, visit the Little Free Libraries, and begin collecting stamps today.
To learn more about the Little Free Library Loop, visit https://sgclib.org/welcome-to-your-little-free-library/ or stop by the Ste. Genevieve County Library to pick up your passport.