Award-Winning Local Author Brings Little Free Library to Wilkeson

The phenomenon of little free libraries popping up all over Seattle neighborhoods was recently a featured story on KING5, and one award-winning local author is ensuring the small town of Wilkeson doesn't miss out on this novel idea of a small-scale book exchange.

Peg Kehret, whose pre-teen focused books have earned multiple young reader awards including Washington's Sasquatch Award for The Ghost's Grave, is a 13-year resident of the unincorporated area of Pierce County nestled between Wilkeson and Carbonado. "It feels like my hometown," she said.

Area residents are served by Pierce County Library System either at the Buckley or Bonney Lake branches, she said, but having their own 'little library' in town, however small, "people are really excited to have it," she said.

The Little Free Library project encourages individuals or groups to create kiosks where they live and start a book exchange program. "You take a book, return it, or keep it, and it's fine," said Kehret, who has donated the library in Wilkeson and is going to be its steward. "We're asking people to help restock by donating what they have. There's no library card, no fine, no due date. Just come and enjoy some books." 

The library is located in front of the Wilkeson Post Office at 517 Church Street, which itself will almost guarantee high foot traffic. "We don't have mail delivery here," she said, "so everyone goes to the post office every day."

On Tuesday, June 25, Wilkeson Mayor Donna Hogerhuis will be on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming to the new addition to town. Refreshments will be served and the public is welcome to attend. The event begins at 7 p.m.