When Hurricane Helene hit Douglas two years ago, it brutalized many of the city’s beloved parks. Recovery efforts continue from the hurricane and many areas in city parks are being rebuilt. One of the most missed amenities was Keep Douglas Beautiful’s Little Libraries, that stood in four parks and offered reading opportunities to the young and old as they visited the parks. Now, the Keep Douglas Beautiful Committee is proud to announce the Little Libraries are back and will soon be available in all the parks for everyone to enjoy. Current Little Libraries are located at Sims Park, JC Adams Municipal Park Shelter (near the group shelter), Unity Park (near the Wellness Area), Wheeler Park (near the restrooms), Roundtree Park (near the new group shelter), and Cadet Park (near the Loring Memorial F-80C aircraft).
The Little Libraries Project is aimed at protecting the environment, education, literacy, and foster a sense of community throughout Douglas. Keep Douglas Beautiful’s Little Library Program started in 2023 as a leadership project for two city employees, Christian Mikell and Jeffery Ingram. Since the 2024 hurricane, new leadership under the direction of Destiny Paulk, KDB Executive Director, has taken on rebuilding the program with the goal of providing a little library in every city park.
How does it work?
It’s easy, you just take a book from the little wooden library located in one of the parks, read it, and return it, or you can take a book and leave a book for others to enjoy. Retired educators and neighborhood volunteers help support this initiative by assisting with the maintenance and stocking of books for the project.
Do the Little Libraries need more books?
All of the books for the libraries are donated from various places and YOU! Since more parks have been added to the list, more books are desperately needed. If anyone has family friendly books to donate, give Destiny Paulk, KDB Executive Director, a call at (912) 383-0277 or drop them by City Hall located at 302 S. Madison Avenue.