Miss SD State Fair opens small lending library in Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) -You may have heard of small lending libraries, but otherwise these are libraries where people can borrow books and return them without a library card, and they’re completely free .

Now one is open in a local apartment complex in Sioux Falls.

Small lending libraries are designed to inspire children and adults to read by giving them easy access to different books that are completely free.

It is something that is near and dear to Miss SD State Fair Miranda O’Bryan.

“Reading is an integral part of your life. I truly believe that reading prepares you for your education, your career, whatever you do, and our reading rates are incredibly low. Said Miss SD State Fair, Miranda O’Bryan.

That’s why she started a small lending library at the Turning Leaf Apartments in Sioux Falls.

O’Bryan says it’s about generating interest through accessibility.

“Part of that is of course access, but it’s also about finding something that inspires you to keep reading. So the beauty of the little library is that there are tons of options and if you ever pick up a book that you think is not for you, go ahead and put it back and pick up another one and try another book and keep reading.” Said O’Bryan.

Property manager, Opinney Gilo is excited about what the little library brings to the resort and the families who live nearby.

“It would be a great idea because there are so many children in the neighborhood. It’s not just my property here, but it’s next to their children. After school, the library is a bit far from here so I feel like it would be a great opportunity. Says Opinney Gilo Property Manager of Turning Leaf Apartments.

This is the fourth small library O’Bryan has installed in South Dakota, and she hopes the latest will have a positive impact in Sioux Falls, as it has in other communities.

“I get emails and calls from people passing by and they see that a child has just walked away with a few books and an adult and a child have gone after them and put more. So it keeps growing and constantly changing,” O’Bryan said.

There are several small lending libraries in the Sioux Falls area, so if you’re looking for a new book for free, try to find one near you.

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