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Little Free Library Receives a Revamp

by Paul Wallace ’27

First version of the little library. Two shelves built out of cardboard with a handwritten sign in all caps saying "Little Free Library."
New little library bookshelf with three rows and Highland Coo plushie at the top. Books of various shapes, colors, and sizes line the shelves.

Denizens of Old Main 2 may notice an upgrade of a department staple—the Little Free Library. Gone are the brick-print shelves buckling under the weight of well-loved books, and here to stay is a sturdy wooden bookshelf with its own 24/7 on-site Little Librarian in the form of a Highland Coo plushie.

The first iteration of the Library was constructed by former Macalester student Chloë Moore ’24. With cardboard, paper, tape, and some markers, Moore made a shelf with trompe l’oeil wood and red-brick finishes. It is a testament to Moore’s ingenuity that a shelf built with such limited materials lasted years, seeing many books come and go. 

As the cardboard ledges began to sag, however, the English and Creative Writing (ENCW) department commissioned a new Library. We look forward to seeing ENCW faculty, staff, and students continue to exchange free books on a new and improved shelf. Whether you have old books to off-load or need to find your next read, feel free to drop by and check out the new Library.