Lions Club Opens Free Library at Barker Hall

Lions Club Opens Free Library at Barker Hall

The newest addition to Michiana Lions Club of Michigan City’s little free libraries is at the entrance to Barker Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church, 6th at Franklin Streets, Michigan City.  An official opening and ribbon cutting will be during First Friday celebrations July 1, 2022, 6:00 pm.

Michiana Lions Club of Michigan City Indiana has opened 5 Little Free Library box locations in Michigan City, IN. The bright blue and yellow boxes can be found at Sand Castle shelter, Gardena Park, Imagination Station, Head Start at Neiman School, and the latest at Barker Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church.  Most are registered on the Little Free Library Map at Littlefreelibrary.org.

“This is our gift of literacy to the community,” says Lions Club member Jamie Miller.  The little free libraries are book exchange boxes. The concept is simple: Take a book, read it, and then return it for a friend to read. Many of the boxes are in underserved areas, where some parents are unable to afford books.

“We are proud to add the Barker Hall Little Free Library to our community family and youth services at Trinity Episcopal Church, “ says Trinity Church leader Matt Kubik.  Trinity Church provides Barker Hall rooms for service to youth including rehearsal space for the Michigan City Soul Steppers, Center Stage Youth Theater and the Rotary Club Strive Youth Mentoring.  Other family services provided include the Trinity Food Pantry, Thrift Shop and several recovery group meetings each week.  “Volunteers are always needed,” says Kubik.  Call Trinity Church at 219 874-4355 for information.

Michiana Lions of Michigan City, Indiana started their first registered Little Free Library in Michigan City in July 2018. Fellow Lions Tim Fizer & Brian Pagels designed, painted, and built the structure. Brian & Tim visited multiple Little Free Library locations to decide on the perfect design. Tim Fizer created the design in his very own wood shop. Sherwin-Williams manager Tim Brown donated paint and supplies to complete the Library

“If you are near one of our libraries, take a moment to organize it or add a children’s book or share your favorite read,” says Miller. For book donations or interest in joining the Michiana Lions club email Jamie Miller at jmiller@uflc.net