ONEIDA NATION (NBC 26) -- Over the last decade or so many have probably noticed neighborhoods that have embraced the little free library movement. Little free libraries are those stand-alone public bookcases, often found in front yards, that encourage readers to browse and hopefully "check out" a book for free. Recently, members of the Menominee Nation and Oneida Nation have taken a new approach to what readers could expect to find at the libraries though, an approach that capitalizes on inclusion.
Many communities' little free libraries have become part of the makeup of the block. But as decorative or cute, as many of them are, they are more than just decorative.
"I see a lot of children's books in them. So, kids get to use them and get books easily," says Justice Peche of the Oneida Nation.
Peche says he would like to see more of the little free libraries entering his community. That's why the UWGB college student has begun taking the steps, to make it a reality.
"Our little free library, we're going to put a little cedar library at this bridge," says Peche pointing out his first location for a little free library in Hobart, near the Oneida Community Library.
In an effort to get more kids additional access to books, Justice launched a GoFundMe campaign so that he can build three little libraries to be placed across the Oneida Nation.
"We'll have one in front of the Turtle School, one near this library, and one near the library in Green Earth," adds Peche.
But in a flip of the script move, Justice's little libraries will offer an unexpected incentive for readers in town by showcasing books authored by Native Americans with Native American storylines.
"I think it's important that kids out here see books by Native American authors, so they see themselves represented," says Peche.
The idea for the modified, little free library approach, came from Wade Fernandez of the Menominee Nation. So far Fernandez has installed two in his community and plans on creating more.
"We wanted to feature Native American authors or books about Natives because so many of our children will open a book and they don't see themselves in it," says Fernandez.
And while this big idea is designed to fit in a little box, the overriding message of representation mattering can be read into as something worth celebrating for both younger and older generations.
"Inspiration and being inspired is just a circle. It's really great to see young people like justice taking that and running with it. Us older folks, we got to walk with it, Haha," adds Fernandez.
Right now, Justice says the goal is to get the little libraries in place in the Oneida Nation by the beginning of July. To check out his campaign on GoFundMe check out this link.
