Four Little Free Libraries are located in New York Mills

By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

Literacy has always taken priority in New York Mills.

Even since the early days of the first English newspaper and the plethora of Finnish ones, as well as the long and supported history of the public library, reading has played an important role in the lives of many who called NY Mills home.

That certainly still rings true today as within the city limits stand four Little Free Libraries across town, the newest of which was only installed in the past couple months. Opening up a world of reading for children on the south side of the tracks, Emily Roggenkamp’s family recently made it possible for her neighborhood’s children to read a variety of fun stories available right near home.

“Giving other kids the opportunity to be able to read books that aren’t able to get to the library or don’t have as many at home,” explained Roggenkamp of her idea to install the library. 

Her library, located at 218 South Walker Avenue, consists entirely of children’s books, which she hopes, gives an opportunity for the younger kids in her neighborhood to be able to grab a book and bring it home, especially those who are too young to be able to run across town to the library on their own.

“My oldest, Octavia, she checks it everyday,” said Roggenkamp. “Then, after we read a story, she decides if she wants to share it with friends or keep it for ourselves.”

The idea for Roggenkamp’s library came from two things: the first was that she often helped supply the Baymler library on North Walker Avenue, and secondly, she has a large supply of children’s books in her own home. With those two items in mind, she decided that the south end of town was due for their own library.

“I would help supply books at the one at Maureen’s house, but I also have a big stock of children’s books here for my kids that, I figured that, we could start one here.

“We ordered it on Amazon and assembled and painted it ourself,” she continued. “I like doing crafts and making things, so just putting it together and making it our own. We love children’s books, so being able to share it with others.”

Along with the Roggenkamp’s new Little Free Library, there are three others scattered around town with books for all to enjoy.

424 East Gilman Street

Trinity Lutheran Church has a library next to their northbound driveway, which has been in service since August of 2016 and hosts a collection of exclusively Christian books, both theological and works of fiction. The intent of the library is to be a place to make Christian reading materials accessible for all.

109 North Walker Avenue

Reegan Baymler began her Little Free Library in September of 2021 in memory of her grandmother, Jeanette Baymler, who passed away in 2018. The pair would often spend hours together, browsing the public library, finding their next favorite book. Baymler’s library consists of books for both children and adults.

215 East Park Street

An Eagle Scout project takes the form of a Little Free Library in Smith Park where books from around the community are shared for all. Children’s books and young adult novels are all available for those to share a quick read at the park or take one home for an evening adventure.