Many people are familiar with Little Free Libraries (LFL), which are book sharing boxes that are placed in the community and offer free books for readers of all ages. The motto of the LFL program is "Take a Book, Return a Book."

The Little Free Library Cochranville, 1016 B Gap-Newport Pike, has taken the concept even further. Not only does the LFL have a book box, but it also offers a 500-square-foot space, formerly a retail store, that offers visitors additional free books, a place where they can read them and the use of free Wi-Fi.

While the LFL in front of the store is available 24 hours a day, the indoor space is open on Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is manned by volunteers during operating hours.

According to Carol Maurer, who coordinates the site's volunteers, the space is owned by James Smith and Emily Artinian, directors of the Street Road Artists Space, located 3.5 miles from the LFL.

"It was a retail space, but in 2017, the renters left and it was vacant. Then in 2018, James thought it would be a really good idea to have a library space because there is no library in Cochranville," said Maurer. "At Street Road, they had a LFL box, and they wanted to take the concept and put it into 500 square feet. It's like the box, only bigger."

"They love reading and they love books, and it's a way to give back to the community," Maurer added. "Emily is formerly from Christiana, and they both live in Philadelphia."

In addition to the free books, the space includes a lending library on the back wall and a permanent collection. "The only books that are not free (to take) are in the alcove," explained volunteer Ellen Jackson, who is on hand at the LFL space on Saturdays. "They are part of the permanent collection. The (books) that are on the back wall - we ask that they be returned eventually. They are higher-quality books. It is nice to bring them back so everyone else can enjoy them. (All of the other books) are free to keep or bring back."

Maurer said the space is ideal for those who want to grab a book and go as well as people who want to stay a while to read. "There is coffee and tea, and they can come and read," said Maurer. "Before the pandemic, kids would come and use the Wi-Fi and do homework." She noted that the space was closed for a time during the pandemic and then open only by appointment.

"We get a lot of local people (visiting the LFL)," Jackson said, noting that the LFL is located next to the Motorcycle Outpost. "I get (women) who stop over because their husband is next door getting a motorcycle part. We get moms and kids and some senior citizens. It's a mixed group."

For more information about the LFL Cochranville, visit http://www.facebook.com/LFL19330 or http://www.streetroad.org/lfl.html.

The space is also available to groups, such as homeschoolers and book clubs. Those interested in reserving the space for a meeting are asked to email hello@streetroad.org or message the owners on the Facebook page. Volunteers are also needed so that the indoor library's operating hours can be increased. Volunteers should email the previously mentioned address for more information.