The Berks History Center is now home to a new “Little Free Library,” thanks to Oley High School student, J.P. Fleck, an aspiring Eagle Scout from Oley, PA, Troop 569. The book share box, located in the front of the BHC museum on 940 Centre Ave. Reading, PA, contains free books that are available to the general public.
After working closely with Reading’s Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) and receiving approval to build the structure, J.P. designed and built the Little Free Library, which serves as a book depository where residents and pedestrians can pick up and take home free books. The book sharing box was designed to emulate the historic structures of the Centre Park Historic District, and the color scheme matches the Berks History Center’s 1928 museum building. This community book exchange installation serves as J.P.’s final Eagle Scout project.
“The most challenging part of this project was going through the HARB approval process, but I learned a lot by completing this project,” says J.P. Fleck. “We spent a lot of time discussing building materials and colors for the box. It took some thought and planning to design a box that complimented the historic buildings in the neighborhood. I am excited that my project will help to share books with children and families in Centre Park.”
The BHC’s “Little Free Library” is one of 90,000 registered “Little Free Library” book-sharing boxes in 91 countries worldwide.
The Berks History Center invites you to stop by and visit the BHC’s new “Little Free Library.” Community members are encouraged to take a book home to enjoy or donate old books to supply the library.
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