The little library concept is a new way of sharing books. An individual creates a wooden box to store books for the public to take and share. No library card is needed and no late fees are charged.

Little libraries provide 24/7 book access. On a day the public library is closed, anyone can still find a book if needed. It is also a way to champion diverse books.

The idea of the little library has been around for decades, but in 2009 a formal nonprofit organization started in St. Paul called Little Free Library. Ever since, the little library trend has caught on in popularity with many popping up in New Ulm.

Some of the little libraries are placed in public parks, but many can be found in residential areas in front lawns.

Herrmann Heights

Several area churches sponsor the library boxes. The little libraries in front of Grace Community Church and First United Methodist Church are designed to look like little churches. Some local churches have even expanded the library concept to include food items. Our Savior’s Lutheran and Christ the King Lutheran Churches have free food libraries. People can take and donate simple food items.

One of the newest little libraries is located on North State Street across from the fairgrounds. The little library is owned by Gabby Budenski and is designed to resemble the Tardis from the “Dr. Who” TV series.

Budenski said she had the idea for the “Dr. Who” themed library in 2020, but building it was a challenge. Her friend Mathew Edens had a talent for woodworking and built the little library.

Edens said the greatest challenge of building the box was keeping it watertight. Once the box was placed outside and exposed to the elements, wood can warp. There was some water leakage that was fixed.

The Tardis Library is larger than the average Little Free Library, meaning it can hold more materials. Budenski said as a middle school teacher, she can keep her library well stocked with books. In addition to books, Budenski has placed albums and bookmarks in the library.

Grace Community Church

Another unique feature of this library is the blue light on top. A solar light was installed on the top of the library allowing users to find it at night.

One of the older little libraries in New Ulm is located on North Jefferson and owned by Ginny Walters. Walters built her library five years ago to share her love of books with the community.

“I’ve always loved to read,” she said. “It is by far my favorite hobby.”

About five years ago, Walters realized the sidewalk in front of her home had heavy foot traffic. Many people, especially children, were walking down the sidewalk.

“I saw lots of traffic and I have a lot of books,” she said.

South Washington

Walter’s little library is designed to standout out in the neighborhood. She chose a unique purple that did not match any of the other homes in the area.

Walters feels her little library is successful. She was happy to note most of the books in her library now were donated by other people in the community.

Walters said traffic to her little library is down this year, but she believes that is because there are many other little library options available in town.

Walters credits the New Ulm Public Library for the rise in the little library. She believes the library has done a great job of encouraging people to read and share information.

“The New Ulm library is fantastic,” she said. “All of the wonderful programming the library does has filtered into this.”

Gabby Budenski and Mathews Edens stand with the new “Dr. Who” themed little library on N. State Street. The little library was installed in May. Budenski had the idea for this unique little library in 2020 and with help from Edens, made brought the idea to life.

Walters is happy to see so many little libraries in the community. She especially likes the little library on S. Washington Street that comes with a bench. Walters said hopes to add a bench to her little library someday.

Anyone can build a Free Little Library and there is no requirement that an individual register. Those who choose to register with Little Free Library will be given a registration plaque and the location will be placed on a map. The map can be accessed from Little Free Library’s website to show users the nearest library location.

According to The Free Little Library website, there are 13 Little Free Libraries in New Ulm. This is a relatively high number of little libraries for a community the size of New Ulm. St. Peter has three registered free libraries. Mankato and North Mankato combined have 29. This is not taking into account the unregistered little libraries, but it is clear there is no shortage of reading material available in the community.