BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — An Inez resident with a tremendous love for reading has partnered with the Martin County Health Department to construct a Little Free Library to serve as a location for avid readers to “take a book and share a book.”
Anyone may take a book or share a book. The box is located by the front door of the health department.
Portable libraries, as they are often referred to, became immensely popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when public libraries were closed. Groups and individuals constructed small wood structures typically holding 35-40 books. Most organizations encourage leaving a book in place of one, if possible. However, if a person does not have a book to trade, they are still welcome to take one.
Cristy Jude developed a love for books as soon as she was old enough to read and has passed on that love to her 9-year-old son, Brantley. A Martin County native who loves giving back to her community, Jude felt a calling to promote reading among the youth in the area. Noticing how well a portable library at another location in the county did when public libraries were shut down due to the pandemic, she began searching for a well-traveled location within Inez to place a Little Free Library. After much consideration, Jude chose the local health department.
“I went to the health department and spoke with their new director, Eric Mills, and explained what I wanted to do,” Jude said. “He was 100% on board and told me he was more than happy to partner with me and my husband to make this project happen. This will be a great location. A lot of people are in and out of there on a daily basis, and it’s in an area that’s well-lit at night and also secure.”
Mills sponsored the purchase of the library kit that would house the books, while Jude purchased other items to complete it. Jude’s husband, Cody, an experienced carpenter and builder, assembled the Little Free Library and concreted it in the ground. Jude then stocked various books for children and adults and was pleased when most of those found new readers within two days.
“I was like, ‘Oh wow! That is exactly what I wanted to happen,’” said Jude. “It made me happy to know the books were appreciated and that they had found new homes. Although we didn’t seem to get books in exchange for the ones taken, that’s perfectly fine with me because I’ve often considered that not everyone has books to trade.”
Jude welcomes donations of books and reminds the public that great places to make purchases for very little money are thrift shops, yard sales and flea markets.
Books must be in good condition, have no rips or missing covers or pages, and cannot be soiled or stained.
The Little Free Library does not accept magazines or books promoting discrimination or prejudice toward race, religious preference or culture.
“We also accept monetary donations that will 100% be used to purchase more books for the library,” stated Jude. “We have had more adult books donated than those for children, so donations would certainly come in handy to help balance out what we stock.”
To donate books or to make a monetary donation, contact Jude at 606-534-7108. She will meet you at the health department to collect your contributions.
“If furnishing these free books brings a smile to the faces of those who read them and encourages local folks to read more, my goal has been accomplished. Reading is so very important. All it takes is one good book to turn someone into an avid reader,” said Jude.
“For those who can’t get out and do the things they used to enjoy because of health issues or other limitations, a good book can fill your time and help you escape. The pages of a story can transport you to faraway places, making the hardships a little easier to bear.”
She added, “Donate a book. You may change a life.”