Discussion:
Shakopee currently has 12 Little Free Libraries (see attached) – 10 are on private property and 2 are in City Parks (Royalty Park and Glacier Park)
(NOTE: 10 of the 12 are registered on Little Free Libraries site – Glacier Park and 4th Avenue site are not listed as registered).
Shakopee Girl Scouts request approval for 2 Girl Scout Troops to install 2 new Little Free Libraries. One troop will put theirs at Cloverleaf Park and the other troop will place theirs at Hiawatha Park. Both troops plan to choose composite models from Little Free Library, which are made from recycled milk jugs and do not require painting or staining. A rotation will be determined amongst each troop as to which girls are responsible for checking on their troops’ libraries and maintaining stock in them. They intend for them to be checked on a weekly basis. Troops will monitor their libraries’ activities and Shakopee Girl Scout Service Unit will oversee activity as well and provide maintenance in the event a troop disbands or ages out. The Shakopee Girl Scout Service Unit is comprised of long time volunteers with little turnover. The Service Unit will also begin participating in Shakopee’s Adopt-A-Park program and is working out the details at this time.
PROPOSED TIMELINE:
January: Troops to determine which composite model they will order along with the posts that they attach to and are placed in the ground or concrete.
February/March: Cookie season fundraising will be happening to fund the Little Free Libraries. They will also begin collecting books for the lirbaries.
April: The libraries will be ordered through Little Free Library and each troop will register theirs with Little Free Library, so they will appear on the website map and the app. (This is Little Free Library’s only requirement).
Late-April/May: They anticipate being able to build and install their Little Free Libraries depending on weather, and availability of Public Works/Parks & Rec and Troop Girl Scouts.
The Shakopee Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed and discussed the Girl Scout's proposal at their January 9th meeting and unanimously voted to recommend that City COuncil approval of the project. Staff also recommends that the Mayor and City Council approve the project as proposed.