Big News for Dedham's Little Libraries

DEDHAM, MA - Thanks to a recent grant from the Dedham Cultural Council, some of Dedham’s Little Free Libraries will soon be getting a much-needed refresh of painting and upgraded hardware. Installed across Dedham by the Dedham Library Innovation Team (DLIT) over the past decade, the twelve, individually-decorated mini lending libraries were built by Dedham High School students and painted by both DHS students and community artists with support from Lowe's and East Dedham Builders Supply.

DLIT’s founder Paul Reynolds notes, “I had no idea when we started with a few little libraries nearly a decade ago, that we’d have such a big collection of libraries today. It gives us joy every time we see a well-stocked library - knowing the community has embraced them so enthusiastically.”

Looking like large, decorated mailboxes with hinged doors, residents are encouraged to "give a book or take a book" from these little libraries. The first little library, painted to look like a schoolhouse, was installed at the former Dedham Town Hall in 2013, and recently relocated to the new Town Hall location. The unique artwork on each little library has served as a vibrant public art project, representing a broad range of Dedham's history and arts - including Dedham Pottery and the Norfolk Tavern. Patrons are very proud of the little libraries in their neighborhoods, which have added to the artistic and literary vibrancy of the town. As one avid fan recently posted on Facebook, “These Little Libraries are a godsend with this pandemic. Thank you to all who give and take a book.”

Long-time DLIT volunteer Chris Ryan and part of the Oakdale Square Alliance leadership team, who is working with Reynolds to oversee the renovation project shares, “Many of these well-loved but weather-beaten pieces are now in serious need of TLC, so we’re hoping to raise additional funds to upgrade all twelve little libraries over the next couple of years.” Indeed, some of the libraries are in serious need of restoration and the implementation of a plan for ongoing maintenance to protect them better from the elements.

Born in Dedham, artist/muralist Sal D'Antona will serve as creative director/lead painter for the Dedham Little Free Library Renovation Project - collaborating with each library’s original artist if possible, or working in the artist's original style. After D’Antona has finished painting each library, they will get painted with a high-quality poly-coating, and dressed up with new marine-quality, brass hardware to better withstand New England’s often harsh weather conditions.

D’Antona graduated from Dedham High School In 1991, attended the Art Institute of Boston, and studied animation in Los Angeles. Oakdale Square Alliance tapped D’Antona for his artistic talents to paint the large wall mural on the 7-11 convenience store in Oakdale Square. His other artistic projects include painting the Bengal Bunny, one of the 5-foot giant bunnies that were part of the Dedham Public Art Project, and painting the Dedham Community Theatre’s exterior murals.

DLIT's Dedham Little Free Library Project is an officially chartered member of the national Little Free Libraries initiative, which numbers over 100,000 little libraries in 108 countries. The libraries serve all ages from children to seniors. Use of the libraries is free - and books are all donated by the community. The mission of the Little Free Library movement is to:

· Promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide.
· Foster a sense of community and connection as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations.

This grant award from Dedham Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, helps kickstart this exciting renovation initiative, and will serve as a catalyst for follow-on funding. General information about the Dedham Little Free Library Project: www.facebook.com/dedhamlittlefreelibrary and Dedham Library Innovation Team: www.DLITdedham.com. Those seeking more information about donations and sponsorships should contact dlit.team@gmail.com.

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The twelve Little Free Libraries that were installed around Dedham since 2013 are as follows:

1) Town Hall: “Little Red Schoolhouse” built and painted by DHS students.

2) Dedham Square Keystone Lot – “Head In The Clouds, Feet In The Trees” painted by Marietta Apollonio.

3) Endicott MBTA Commuter Rail Station – “Poppies” painted by Susan Hoy.

4) Veteran’s Road Housing Complex/East Dedham – “Library in the Leaves” painted by Rev. Rali Weaver.

5) Memorial Field on Eastern Avenue, “Pattern Recognition” painted by Lisa Houck.

6) Oakdale Square, Church of the Good Shepherd – “Stars & Stripes” painted by Luke Barry.

7) Legacy Place, “Our Little Library” painted by Peter H. Reynolds.

8) DHA Housing Complex, High Street/O'Brien Way, "A,B,Cs of Literacy" painted by DHS '16 Leah Badessa, Hannah Romanish, and Rachel Strykowski.

9) DHA Housing Complex, Parker Staples Road, "Dedham's Norfolk Tavern" painted by DHS Class '16 Leah Badessa, Hannah Romanish, and Rachel Strykowski.

10) Dedham Corporate MBTA Station: "Celebrating Dedham Pottery" painted by Clarissa Robyn.

11) Terri's Market - Dedham Manor: "Under the Stars" painted by Cindy Mootz

12) East Dedham Triangle Park (Colburn Street): "Victorian Roses" painted by Sarah Edson.