Library brings neighbors together

Take a book or leave a book. A simple exchange stands as the objective for Little Free Libraries, a movement aimed at making reading accessible to people everywhere. Another Little Free Library has just made its mark on the map in Sanders County, allowing Trout Creek resident Mary Danno the ability to share her love of reading with the rest of the community.

Located at 274 Little Beaver Creek Road, the newest Little Free Library was a surprise from Danno's husband, Rob, two weeks ago. "It's only one of a few in the area," Danno said. "The style of the library matches the barn on the property." Danno decided to dedicate the library to her husband's late parents, who were both avid readers. "Mom always had a book in her hands," she recalled.

Danno says she wants to keep a variety of reading material in stock for those who want to stop by, and says right now the library is full of nonfiction, fiction, books on CD and children's books. "There is enough room to hold about a dozen books in there," she said. While Danno is still trying to get the word out to the community, the feedback she has received so far has been positive from neighbors who have stopped by.

A ribbon cutting to mark the occasion was held with members of a new book club Danno helped assemble. Their first book, "Waltzing Montana" by Mary Clearman Blew, is set in rural Montana in 1925. Danno, who got to choose the first title for the club to read, said the story struck a chord with her. "It's empowering to read about everything that women had to go through back then," she said.

The plaque on the front of the library reads "In loving memory of Lee and Lee Sherman. The library is located between Thompson Falls and Trout Creek. Danno says the location makes for a perfect half-way stop to take a book, return a book or donate a book.