Little free library dedicated at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in DeKalb

DeKALB – A little free library has found a home at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road, DeKalb.

It is all credit to Patricia Brown, who came up with the plan. The new Dr. Leroy A. Mitchell Elementary School, part of DeKalb District 428, is under construction down the road. It’s tentatively scheduled to open for the 2025-2026 school year.

A nearby resource for reading seemed like just the right touch, Brown said.

“I thought it might be a good idea [for] us to put one to help the people in the neighborhood,” Brown said. “There’s a new school opening in the fall. So, I thought maybe some of those students might come by.”

On Sunday, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church marked the occasion by holding a dedication ceremony.

Among those notably in attendance were DeKalb Police Patrol Cmdr. Steve Lekkas and 2nd Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson.

The ceremony featured prayer and readings followed by light refreshments.

Brown said it means a lot to her to see the way the church has taken the lead on this initiative.

A DeKalb resident, Brown also serves as a member of the vestry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

“I’m very pleased that we all agreed to do it,” Brown said.

The idea has since taken off, she said.

“We started it sort of with our Episcopal Church women and then decided the whole church ought to sponsor it and be part of it,” Brown said. “Some other people have helped bring books. Sycamore library just had it’s books sale a couple weeks ago, so we got some books from them. So, it’s open to everybody and we want to encourage reading.”