Published June 19, 2019

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Avid readers now have a new place to find a book.

Summer Street School recently installed a Little Free Library (LFL) for students and parents to utilize at the elementary school’s entryway. In an email sent to the Villager, Summer Street Library Media Specialist Alex Caram said the LFL is “the culmination of a two-year, student-driven project.”

“Last year, a group of third graders, working with myself and special education teacher Emma Bartlett, decided they wanted to add a LFL so that students around town always have access to books,” said Caram. “The LFL is for donated books. Simply take one when you need it, and leave one when you’re ready to share a story with someone else. It will be open all summer.”

Caram recalled that incoming fifth graders Kellen Farias, Tate Shipman, Bennett Luba and Mason Glinksi, who were members of Summer Street’s Service Squad, gave a presentation about the proposed project to former Summer Street Interim Principal Greg Hurray.

“The LFL project was part of something we do at Summer Street School called Service Squad,” said Caram. “Students work around the school to make it a better place.” 

Caram noted Shipman wrote a letter to Superintendent Jane Tremblay about why the Little Free Library was needed in town.

A BRAND NEW Little Free Library has been installed at Summer Street School’s entranceway. Incoming fifth grader Jack Martino crafted the LFL’s design. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

“They are important because kids need to read and get smarter,” Shipman stated in his letter to Tremblay. “With a free library, people can just take books and then when you are finished reading it, you can return another book back in its place. People at this location would like it because there are many, many kids here. Adults can use it too because we can ask for donations of adult books too.”

Caram recalled that Tremblay “enthusiastically agreed” to the Service Squad’s request. Afterwards, Caram said the Service Squad held a school-wide design cost for the LFL.

“There were many great designs, but the winner was soon- to-be fifth grader Jack Martino,” said Caram. “We built the LFL from scratch with the help and generosity of Linda and Dave Rugato, who cut, sanded and primed the pieces for us.”

Caram said Jack, his parents, Stephanie and Matthew, and Summer Street parent Jill Carrera wrapped the LFL with the design Jack created. She also said Summer Street art teacher Yota Kariotis provided “design knowledge and advice.”

Linda Rugato, who works as the library assistant at Summer Street, said she and her husband were thrilled to get involved with the project.

“It came out great,” said Linda. “Alex does a lot of amazing things with the children.”

The LFL is the latest addition to Summer Street School. The elementary school recently opened a new swing set and sensory garden.

Caram thanked Summer Street Principal Dr. Karen Dwyer, Stephanie Martino and the DPW “for getting this project finished before these students moved on to the middle school.” 

“I think the LFL is a great addition to the Summer Street School and Lynnfield communities,” said Caram. “It’s a great symbol of kids doing great things. It’s also awesome to see kids excited to share their books with one another.”  

Dwyer agreed.

“The Service Squad at Summer Street School, led by Alex Caram, Jess Ostuni and many other faculty who work with the students, is committed to creating projects that help others in the community,” said Dwyer. “Students think about projects that fill a need and create them. This is a terrific example of students leading their learning through curiosity and kindness.”  

Tremblay concurred with Caram and Dwyer’s viewpoint.

“The Little Free Library project shows great initiative and out-of-the-box thinking from our students,” said Tremblay. “It’s great for not only the Summer Street community, but the entire Lynnfield community.”