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Through Little Free Library book exchanges, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds.”

Jeannette Cox

ELY –With support from the Essentia Health Foundation, Story Portage— a local non-profit literacy organization— is collaborating with Ely Memorial High School to create Little Free Libraries.
Following design and construction last fall of the “yard art” by Rob Simonich’s Woodworking I and II students at Ely Memorial High School, students in Heather Cavalier’s creative writing course created nature haikus and poems that are now being interpreted by Kelly Chick’s art students and incorporated onto the exteriors of the miniature libraries. 
A total of 10 libraries are under construction, according to Jeannette Cox. “Most of the units will be auctioned off during a school art show/band concert in the spring to raise funds that will sustain the project, as well as be used for other student-driven, creative, community programs,” Cox said.
One library will be installed on the front lawn of the ISD 696 campus for community use. Two other libraries will be donated to the Ely Area Food Shelf and Ely Community Resource. “These two libraries will be ‘tricycle height’ so that children will have an opportunity to select books,” Cox said.
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. “Through Little Free Library book exchanges, millions of books are exchanged each year, profoundly increasing access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds,” Cox said.
“Academically, children growing up in homes without books are on average three years behind children in homes with lots of books, even when controlled for other key factors, according to research,” Cox said. “One of the most successful ways to improve the reading achievement of children is to increase their access to books, especially at home.”
Story Portage was founded in April 2017 and participates in school-initiated literacy and literary projects, including partnerships and collaborations between Ely High School, Northeast Range School, and Vermilion Community College. 
Celebrating its 20th grant, Story Portage’s volunteer board has spent each grant dollar locally, supporting area businesses, Cox said. “Story Portage also received funds from Lake Country Power Operation Round-Up to support this project,” she added.
For more information on Story Portage, visit storyportage.org or storyportage.com.  Tax deductible donations can be sent to Story Portage, P.O. Box 286, Ely MN 55731.