Library added to Conservatory Park

Manatee County's Conservatory Park has a new attraction — a Little Free Library.

The wooden library is the sixth of its kind at Manatee County parks. The Little Free Library program follows the mantra of "take a book, return a book." Park visitors are encouraged to bring a book to drop off and to peruse the collection to find a new favorite. 

The library is designed so children's books go on the first shelf, within reach of younger vistors, and books for elder readers go on the top shelf.

The East County's Mary Lou McFate, the honorary regent of the Sara DeSoto chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, suggested the project in October. And children of the ChiChi Okobee Society, Children of the American Revolution members sold buttons and held bake sales to raise funds for the project. 

Randy Cooper, a longtime parks and recreation volunteer, crafted the library with cedar boards and a handle recycled from an old chest. 

A dedication ceremony for the library is scheduled for Feb. 28.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].