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Books and Wellbeing: Little Free Library Lands at the WellNest Lounge

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by Lisa Curtin and Donna Bacchiocchi
April 17, 2025

Bentley Library is thrilled to announce the arrival of a new addition to our campus—the Little Free Library (LFL) at the WellNest in Copley North! This charming little library is designed to resemble the Bentley Library, complete with its recognizable clock tower, bringing a touch of our library's beauty to this new student space.

A wooden Little Free Library painted brick red with a gray roof and tall white clock tower that is modeled after the Bentley Library sits on a table. The library is stocked with books. A plaque over the door reads "Little Free Library, Take a Book, Share a Book, Est. 2025 Bentley Library"

For those unfamiliar, a Little Free Library is a small, free-standing book exchange where anyone can take a book or leave a book. These libraries promote community engagement and personal wellbeing by making books accessible, fostering a love of reading and sharing.

The journey of our Little Free Library has been special. The idea was sparked last summer when librarian Donna Bacciocchi visited the new WellNest lounge with Mallory Loggins and was inspired to collaborate with Bentley’s Wellbeing and Health Promotion team to support student wellbeing and social connection at the lounge. At the same time, a library colleague expressed interest in bringing a LFL to campus. These ideas converged, and the project was launched.

The Little Free Library arrived at the Bentley Library unfinished and in multiple pieces. The assembly, painting, and creative touches were lovingly completed by library staff members Donna Bacchiocchi, Lisa Curtin, and Lisa Yin, with the skilled guidance and expertise of Director of Visual Arts/RSM Art Gallery Curator, Danielle Krcmar. Numerous library staff generously donated books to seed the library.

This collaborative project was deeply meaningful to all who worked on it, reflecting a shared commitment to creating a fun, healthy, and supportive campus environment. We hope our Falcons will love it as much as we do!

We invite you to visit the WellNest in Copley North to explore the Little Free Library. Have a look, take what you like, or leave a book you think others might enjoy.

Happy reading! 📚