Applegater Summer 2021
Four new 'little libraries' are
connecting more people to free books
17
BY JANIS MOHR-TIPTON
The Friends of Ruch Library (FORL) is
a nonprofit organization that supports the
distribution of free books to our local rural
communities through “little libraries.”
Little libraries build community spirit and
are a way for people in rural areas—who
may lack internet and electronics or feel
especially isolated due to COVID-19—
to connect with the Jackson County
Library Services.
With health restrictions still in place
for their smaller public space, FORL can’t
operate the A-frame Bookstore yet. This
means FORL has lots of books to share! So
the Friends’ idea of encouraging more little
libraries in our communities has taken off.
The first one was the McKee Bridge
Little Library, designed and built by
students at Ruch Outdoor Community
School (ROCS). Bryan della Santina,
FORL board member and volunteer at
the school, prepared the structure for
mounting and installed it. He also keeps
it stocked weekly with books and has
noticed that the local community donates
books and even non-perishable food to
share with neighbors. Located close to the
old historic bridge, it has proven to be a
positive addition to the community.
Myron Hauser built the unique,
tall, ROCS Little Library just inside the
campus on the one-way entrance. The
students helped install this one and helped
prepare a nice parking pull-off for easy
access by the community to use it. Julie
Barry, ROCS principal and a very creative
painter, had fun giving it its bright and
delightful color scheme. Bryan also keeps
this one well stocked weekly. It’s open to
the public to borrow and exchange books.
Please drive slowly through the campus
and follow the road out to the exit on
Highway 238.
Folks on China Gulch have created their
own China Gulch Little Library for their
community. They are keeping it supplied
themselves, and Bryan supplements books,
as needed.
The newest, Cantrall Buckley Little
Library, was installed by park ranger
Jonathan Bernhardt in April. This one
was designed, totally created, and painted
by Steve Rhodes and Wende-Martin
Rhodes. They have since moved from
our community but loved doing this
service. FORL supported their efforts by
supplying the materials. Just after you pass
through the fee booth at the park, look
for the parking lot on your right and the
pollinator garden. You might also see the
new monarch sculpture, too. This little
library is also a borrow-and-exchange-if-
you-wish setup. Thalia Truesdell, Ruch
Branch manager, restocks it frequently,
with my assistance.
FORL really appreciates your support
of our communities with your book
donations, which help keep our little
libraries well stocked. Many FORL
members volunteer to help sort the
wonderful donations we receive. Some go
to Ruch Country Store to sell, some go to
the Book Barn for the first-Saturday-of-
the-month sales each month (as allowed by
health regulations), and lots are set aside
for free distribution to the little libraries.
If you have books to donate, you can drop
them off during a first-Saturday Book
Barn sale.
FORL has received requests for several
more little libraries, The Ruch Fire Station
would like one, and the communities of
Buncom and Humbug are both interested
in adding a little library next to their new
community bulletin boards sponsored by
A Greater Applegate. If you are crafty or
Food bank still here to help
The Ruch Food Pantry, one of 22 pantries operated by ACCESS throughout
Jackson Country, is open from 11:30 am to 1 pm on Mondays (closed holidays)
on the backside of Ruch Elementary School. These pantries provide a variety of
fresh and shelf-stable groceries to low-income families and individuals. Each food
box contains a three-to-five day supply of food.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Deborah Price, Manager
541-826-9149
•
Michelle Bollinger, Assistant Manager
541-218-6471
Myron Hauser built the Little Free Library
at the Ruch Outdoor Community Schools.
Photo: Janis Mohr-Tipton.
As you approach the historic McKee Bridge,
this Little Free Library sits to the right, in front
of the old restaurant and store.
Photo: Janis Mohr-Tipton.
know someone who might be interested
and would like to build a Little Library,
please contact me.
Remember, you are welcome to add
a book to any free little library that you
borrow from. Also, if you would like to
get involved with Friends of Ruch Library,
ask for a membership form at a Book
Barn sale or at the Branch Library. For
more information, call Thalia at Ruch
Branch Library at 541-899-7438. She will
pass your question on to the appropriate
FORL contact.
Janis Mohr-Tipton
541-846-7501
janis.agapark@gmail.com
Now serving burgers!